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Suffolk Punch Trust Fails in Lottery Bid

The Heritage Lottery fund (HLF) has not agreed to give a grant of approx £2.8million to cover the capital costs for the project proposed by the Suffolk Punch Trust Limited {SPT} which would preserve the Colony Stud of Suffolk Horses and would involve an Education and Heritage Centre and a visitor attraction at Hollesley Bay.

HLF, when making their decision felt that the amount requested, when measured against the heritage element (as opposed to the social and educational aspects) did not qualify for this level of support.

The SPT Trustees are disappointed with the HLF decision, but are determined to continue seeking ways to create the Education and Heritage Centre and preserve the Colony Stud of Suffolk horses at Hollesley. There is no doubt that the Colony Stud is important for the preservation of the breed whose survival is threatened.

The project includes the keeping of the other Suffolk breeds, Red Poll cattle, Suffolk sheep and the Large Black pig. A conservation area is also envisaged which will include many plants indigenous to Suffolk. These, together with the natural environment of this unique area and the restoration of the 1890 field plan would facilitate the Trust’s educational aims and allow the support of the resettlement of prisoners based at HM Prison Hollesley Bay to continue. The general public, and particularly, socially disadvantaged young people from deprived inner city areas can benefit from the experience of visiting the Centre by learning about all aspects of the countryside and the heritage of the area. However, these benefits will now become part of the phased programme when funds become available.

The Trust is now actively seeking other funding sources to ensure this very important visionary project can become a reality. The very large number of donations from all over the country demonstrates the enormous public support for the project.

For more information contact Philip Ryder-Davies on 01394 380083 or John Marsh on 01473 612639

Quotes for Press Statements following HLF Press Release

John Marsh said:

"The Suffolk Punch Trust always knew this was a very ambitious project with a number of social, educational, environmental and conservation aims being delivered at the same time.

The Business Plan that the Trust produced showed that these objectives complimented one another and if they could all be delivered quickly the overall cost of the project would be contained to within a figure of around £4million.

Heritage Lottery, when making their decision, clearly took into account the amount of money being requested and made some value judgements about the likely success of a new venture with a very challenging development and operation programme. They also took into account other demands for funding which were presented to their June Board meeting.

It is a major blow to the plans for the Education and Heritage Centre which the Trust wants to create at Hollesley and the Trust is already down sizing the project and extending the timescales for delivery. Conserving the Colony Stud of Suffolk horses at Hollesley and creating income to maintain them is now the first priority. The Trust is vigorously exploring other funding avenues so that the land, buildings, horses and equipment can be purchased, and site improvements made to allow the public some access, in order to generate income to cover costs.

This is one of the most exciting projects to be developed in Suffolk for many years. It touches virtually every aspect of charitable work. The level of public interest and money contributed in the last 18months also highlights its importance"

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