Two appeals have been launched by residents to restore fire-ravaged Ewell Court House to its former glory once refurbishment work starts on the listed building.

Ewell Court Residents’ Association has set up the Ewell Court House Community Fund, while Ewell Court House Organisation (ECHO) has created a separate fund.

The residents' association fund will be used to enhance facilities at the community hub, which was badly damaged by fire in December, while the money generated by ECHO will pay for a new audio-visual system for the historic house.

Preliminary work is continuing at the site to dry and strip down the damaged interior, before full-scale refurbishment can start.

Les Duplock, chairman of the Ewell Court Residents’ Association, said the idea for the fund was first discussed in January and a bank account for donations will be opened in the next fortnight.  But £100 has already been donated even before the account opens.

Mr Duplock said: "The building’s refurbishment will be covered by the insurance but like all things where a major re-start is required, there will be things that we could put in to make it better. 

"The fund aims to enhance what was in the house previously."

He said it is estimated that it will take 18 months to two years to get the house up and running again, but alternative arrangements for the activities run there are still working well. 

Cash donations and cheques made out to ‘Ewell Court House Community Fund’ or pledges for donations can be sent to: Lou Saunders, Ewell Court Residents’ Association Secretary, 51 Pams Way, Ewell, KT19 0HG.

ECHO is inviting people to become members of ECHO, with membership fees going towards its appeal.  Membership forms are available from the Ewell Court Tea Rooms or by writing to: Don Scott, Chairman of ECHO, 79 Pams Way, Ewell, KT19 OHN.

The Ewell Court Residents’ Association will also be holding a quiz night on Friday, May 16, at Ruxley Church, in Ruxley Lane, West Ewell, from 7.30pm. All money raised will go towards the Ewell Court House Community Fund.  For tickets call Les Duplock on 0208 786 9341.


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