A Beacon of Light in the Esk Valley
Published Date:
05 Dec 2024
A remote rural community shines brighter with enhanced energy resilience and efficiency!
Nestled in the stunning landscape of North York Moors National Park in the Upper Esk Valley, Castleton Village Hall serves as a vital hub for the local close-knit community. This charming moorland village is located near the River Esk and the village hall is used by a variety of groups, including the local primary school, parish council and many sporting and community organisations.
Thanks to a dedicated team of local volunteers, the hall is undergoing exciting improvements to boost its energy efficiency and keep its doors open for everyone. With facilities such as the team rooms, the bank, and the post office no longer in operation, the hall has become a lifeline for the community.
The Northern Powergrid Foundation, the charitable arm of Northern Powergrid, is proud to support innovative projects that tackle energy challenges, including fuel poverty and the transition to net zero.
Peter Rudsdale, chair of trustees at Castleton Village Hall, shared his excitement about the new technology that will help sustain the hall for years to come.
“We’re committed to modernising our facilities to better serve our community today and in the future. This grant from the Foundation not only helps us upgrade but also ensures our isolated community has the support it needs during emergencies.”
With a generous grant of £20,000, Castleton Village Hall have installed solar panels and battery storage, enhancing its energy resilience. This means the hall can continue to serve residents during power interruptions while also saving on energy costs - allowing those funds to be reinvested into community activities.
Today, trustees from the Northern Powergrid Foundation celebrate their commitment to empowering communities and ensuring they are prepared for the winters ahead.
David Wilkin, a trustee of the Northern Powergrid Foundation, emphasised, “Supporting community places like Castleton Village Hall is at the heart of our mission. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our funds making a real difference for various communities across the northeast, Yorkshire, and North Lincolnshire.”
The Foundation will reopen to grant applications in 2025.
For more information, including FAQs, eligibility criteria, and application instructions, visit northernpowergridfoundation.com.