So a large proportion of the population woke up this morning eagerly anticipating a Jackpot Euro millions win. All were disappointed …….but there is still the Friday draw to come!
As tends to happen during difficult economic times, gambling increases. This time the main beneficiary has been the National Lottery with ticket sales approaching the record levels set when the draw was first introduced.
One positive side effect is that the money available for good causes has also spiralled. Around £28 million a week is available for “good causes”. It is therefore a good time to be thinking of projects in the City which could benefit.
Locally the York Cemetery was given a make over using Lottery funds while the Quilt Museum is seeking votes in the annual residents ballot which helps to decide how some of the money is used. You can vote at www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards
As well as the inspirational York Minster Revealed project – which has just appointed a new Project Director – another heritage project which could benefit from the windfall is the plan to make the City Archives more accessible.
The Archives – which have been housed in cramped conditions under the Art Gallery for many years – contain a wealth of information about York and its people covering the last 800 years. The intention of the project is to improve peoples understanding of our history.
On the sports and leisure front, now that the costs of the Olympics are covered by projected income figures, there should be more for areas outside London. Aspects of the new Community Stadium project might qualify for grant aid, while the ambitious Sports Village and competition standard swimming pool, scheduled to be built on Hull Road, could be prime candidates.