Sophie Aldous of the CR3 Soldiers youth group presents Dick Moran with a cheque for £50 for a share in The ARC.

A public meeting was held last month to launch a Com munity Share Issue to raise £100,000 to refurbish The ARC. The popular arts and recreational centre in Caterham was closed last March, but it is hoped to get the facility functioning again with help from local residents. Around 60 people attended the meeting that was led by Dick Moran, the Chairman of the Caterham Barracks Trust that owns the building. During the evening Dick set out his vision for the future of The ARC which will include a children's soft play area, creative arts facility and coffee bar. Since the launch over £1,000 in shares have been bought and many volunteers have come forward to offer manpower and expertise to clean, refurbish and manage the building. Following the launch, Dick said: "I am really encouraged. One lady volunteer has come all the way from Tadworth because she wants to get the arts side of things going!"

For more information visit www.thearcdevelopmentproject.org.uk