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Having made history as the borough's first Gurkha Mayor, the new first citizen has now pledged to help support the rich history of the town he has made his home. Nuneaton and

Bedworth's Mayor, councillor Bhim Saru, today (May 21) revealed that his civic appeal is for the Chilvers Coton Heritage Centre. It is to help towards urgently needed works to the

building that not only preserves the town's history, but is part of the very fabric of it. The Mayor said: "The simple reason is, it (the centre) represents the beating heart of

the community." The borough's first citizen added: "I have a list of reasons why I chose it, firstly it is about preserving our town's identity. Nuneaton has a great

history, from our industrial past to history of George Eliot and the centre keeps the history alive. READ MORE: NUNEATON ROAD TO BE CLOSED FOR UP TO THREE WEEKS READ MORE: NEW 'SUP

NUNEATON' SIGNAGE APPEARS FOR PLAN BURRITO MEXICAN EATERY He continued: "It helps us remember who we are and where we came from. Secondly, it brings the people and communities

together. The centre is more than just a museum, it is used by over ten different groups and communities for different purposes. It is a place where children come and learn, veterans share

their stories and different communities come together. "It is a true community hub." He said he wanted to help its passionate volunteers and trustees to continue their work.

"Finally, this is about leaving a legacy," he added. "As Mayor I want to support something that will benefit Nuneaton and Bedworth now, and in the future. Supporting the

centre is about pride in our past and hope for the next generation." 'CRUMBLING' CENTRE John Burton, chair of the centre, said 'words can't express' how

delighted they were the Mayor had chosen the centre to benefit from his year in office. The centre has, in the past, been part of civic appeals, but never the sole beneficiary - and it has

come at a crucial time in its own history. Part of the stonework on the building is crumbling: "You can put your hand through it," Mr Burton said, adding that they would also like

to create a new display area as well as an extra toilet. This major project is likely to cost £500,000 but Mr Burton said that the support of the Mayor's appeal will not only help raise

funds towards it, but also add gravitas to its bids for funding. "Words can't really express the gratitude we have as it adds respectability to what we are trying to do at the

centre," he said. "Your (the Mayor) decision to support us, over the other numerous worthy causes, is just fantastic." THE CENTRE'S HISTORY It first started out as The

Chilvers Coton Free School in 1735 by Lady Elizabeth Newdigate, the wife of Sir Richard Newdigate. They gave the building to the town. In 1903 the school was taken over by the Nuneaton and

Chilvers Coton Education Committee, and in 1954 the school closed and became a council Parks Department Depot. Then, in the early 80s, its fate looked to be sealed when the then council

planned to demolish it - but it was saved by a band of passionate volunteers, led by Beryl Kirby. In 1988 it became the Chilvers Coton Centre. Since then, it is home to community groups from

Morris Men to Slimming World sessions. It also has a Victorian schoolroom where schools visit to show pupils what school life was like when the building first opened. A Facebook page is set

to be created for the appeal as well as collection tins being put at venues across the borough. There is also a JustGiving page, where donations can be made. The donation page can be found

here