LET’S BE FRIENDS
Why we need your help...
In recent years the scale of support available from funders has decreased whilst the core costs of keeping our doors open to all has escalated, now more than ever we need help from our loyal supporters and friends.
Mid Border Arts is an independent charity - this means that every donation goes straight towards supporting our programme of events and keeping the Assembly Rooms open for use by the diverse range of groups that use our beautiful building.
In Autumn 2024 MBA embarked on an extensive consultation within the community of Presteigne. Based on this community input, we are planning a new program of arts events, cinema and workshops for autumn 2025. We want to build on the success of the past while looking firmly to the future; in particular, we want to do more to engage with young people. Our aim is to provide a warm, welcoming and accessible venue for everyone. We want the Assembly Rooms to be a community space and arts centre that makes us all proud. Please consider donating and help us craft this new chapter for MBA and the Assembly Rooms.
Mid Border Arts is primarily run by a team of volunteers, nevertheless it needs to raise in the region of £1000 a month to survive. From as little as £3 a month you can help MBA by joining our friends scheme and in doing so become part of our loyal community of supporters.
How to Donate...
Mid Border Arts works with the Charity Aid Foundation to ensure your data and donations are managed appropriately.
You can donate online with a one-off donation, a monthly direct debit or set up an annual subscription. It’s entirely up to you how much you would like to donate. As little as £3 a month for an individual Friends subscription, though it sounds small, goes a long way to helping us achieve our goal. Alternatively, please consider a household membership from £4 a month.
Become a Patron If you’d like to make a more substantial commitment then please consider becoming a patron of Mid Border Arts - suggested donation of £250 per annnum
Our Promise to You
Let’s be upfront here - If we spent our donations on free events we’d defeat the object of our campaign!
What we promise to do is keep you regularly updated on events and news from MBA and unless you wish to remain anonymous recognise your contribution within the building.
We deeply appreciate your generosity. A donation however small or large goes towards securing the future of MBA as an asset to the wonderful community we live and work in.
Gift Aid...
If you are a UK taxpayer then by completing the online gift aid form on the CAF website then Mid Border Arts can claim an additional 25 pence for every £1 donated.
Can I donate directly to Mid Border Arts?
MBA have partnered with CAF to reduce our administration costs, to ensure that your private and financial data are kept secure and to let you, the donor, manage your donations easily and anonymously if you so wish. In return CAF take a small percentage to cover their costs - full terms and conditions are on their website. If you would still like to donate directly then please write to info@midborderarts
DONATION TIERS
Individual - £36 per year / £3 per month
Household - £48 per year / £4 per month
Patron - £250 per year / £21 per month
Or a custom amount of your choosing
SPONSORS
MBA is grateful for the annual grants it receives from the Presteigne and Norton Town Council.
As there is still a shortfall, MBA trustees organize an annual autumn grand fundraising event.
Mid Border Arts also have a scheme that invites local businesses to contribute towards maintaining this vital community organisation by giving financial support to a specific event. This generous help is acknowledged in all marketing and promotional material. Please contact the co-ordinator for more information.
POSTCODE COMMUNITY TRUST
£20,000 to replace the access lift in Presteigne Assembly Rooms
This work has been made possible by an award from Postcode Community Trust, a grant-giving charity funded entirely by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Powys County Council have also contributed towards the replacement of the lift.
THE KAY TRUST LEGACY TO MID BORDER ARTS
A legacy of over £10,000 from The Kay Trust in April 2020.
During the 1990s Ernie was part of the committee that ran Mid Border Community Arts, playing a major role in the leasing of the Assembly Rooms from Powys County Council. While vice-chair of MBCA he oversaw the move, in 1992, from a few rooms at top of the then Shire Hall, now The Judge’s Lodging, up Broad Street to the Assembly Rooms.
Ernie had a lifelong passion for classical music and was, at the end of the 1980s, involved in the administrative running of the, then, new Presteigne Festival of Music and the Arts.
At a later date The Kay Trust, set up in memory of his late wives, Kathy and Margaret, gave MBA £1000, which was spent refurbishing the Steinway piano, still in frequent use in the Assembly Rooms.
Ernest Kay MBE died on 4 January 2019, aged 87, after a lifetime of enthusiasm and financial support to many projects.
