Intrepid Civic Walkers brave blisters and rain to raise money for much loved building

Chief Executive of The Civic, Helen Ball and Managing Director of Copier Systems, Ryan Eastwood were joined by friends, family and supporters to walk 72 miles last weekend around the boundary of Barnsley to raise money for The Civic Capital Appeal.

So far £3,712 has been raised towards their £5,000 target for The Civics’ #Connect fundraising campaign. Helen said, “We have extended the closing date for donations until 30 September if anyone wants to donate to help us reach our target.”

The Civic is an independent arts charity and relies on ticket sales, grants and donations. This year it launched an ambitious £5m fundraising appeal to restore and open up new theatre, gallery and café spaces, restoring its old front entrance on Eldon Street and connecting The Civic to the new town market square.

The team braved blisters, pouring rain, and even had to carry Biscuit the dog the last three miles. Mary Swinden, Marketing Manager for The Civic, said: “Our dog was on his last legs at mile 20, my husband had to carry him on and off the rest of the way. This was a fantastic team building event for the staff, the views of Barnsley were amazing. We are all passionate about raising money to refurbish the grade II part of our beautiful and iconic Civic building.”

Ryan Eastwood from local firm Copier Systems who is supporting the campaign said: “We are proud to support The Civic campaign to restore one of the most historic buildings in the town centre for local people to enjoy. Having a vibrant arts centre at the heart of the town can only help to boost jobs, the visitor economy and help inspire our children and future generations of art lovers, by establishing a first class cultural scene.”

Helen and Ryan were joined by colleagues from The Civic: Bex Peacock, Mary Swinden, Becki Tovey, Lucy Melvin and Janet Jepson as well as family and friends Martin Ball, Tom Swinden, Biscuit (the dog), Andrew Heppenstall, Rob Eastwood and Jacob Eastwood for the epic circular walk around the South Yorkshire town.

The walk took in picturesque reservoirs, the beautiful Peak District, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, the conservation village of Elsecar, Wharncliffe Wood, the Dearne Valley and Cannon Hall Country Park.

Helen said: “We’re all exhausted but it was worth it. Every penny counts. We want to create a movement of support of local people and businesses backing our campaign. A world class arts centre will have a hugely positive impact on young people, residents, and the wider business community. Our new Civic will inspire generations to come and position Barnsley as a leading cultural destination.”

The Civic, has been part of the town since 1877. While, part of The Civic building has benefited from modernisation, it plans to expand and develop the dilapidated front doors on Eldon Street and open up and utilise the unfinished floors at the centre of the listed building.

To donate: https://localgiving.org/appeal/72milesforthecivic