‘Sold’ signs pay off for Arundel’s museum and lido

Pictured, from left, are Michael Heathcote, treasurer of Arundel Museum Society, Arundel town crier Angela Standing, Paul Clarke, director of Clarkes Estates, and David Wood, chairman of the trustees of Arundel Lido SUS-140324-112614003

ARUNDEL Lido and the town’s museum have been given a cash boost by what is thought to be the first scheme of its kind in the country.

The charities running the two attractions have received cheques totalling £750 from Clarkes Estates, which launched an initiative to support the Arundel community when it opened its branch in the town last autumn.

For every property the estate agent took on between its opening and the end of 2013, the business pledged to donate £250 from its fee to one of the two charities chosen by the seller, once the deal was completed.

And on Friday night Paul Clarke, director, presented a cheque for £500 to David Wood, chairman of the trustees of Arundel Lido, and £250 to Arundel Museum Society chairman Michael Heathcote, at a reception in the Clarkes’ office in Queen Street, with Arundel town crier Angela Standing as master of ceremonies.

David responded: “Thanks ever so much to Clarkes for your support. It’s absolutely wonderful.”

Michael added his thanks: “This is a great initiative and shows your commitment to the town.”

Paul said the company had been keen to find ways of supporting the community when it opened the office. Other sales in the pipeline would lead to the charities receiving further funding.

During the reception, a draw was also made for a customer to pay no fee on their property sale, saving Jerry and Helene Steele the £3,900 they would have paid Clarkes for selling their Fitzalan Road home.