A letter to Lenox Lewis

University Degree Architecture, Building and Planning

Miss Joanne Birt

16 Musbury Crescent,

Rawtenstall,

Rossendale,

Lancashire,

BB4 6AY.

20 November 2002

Dear Lenox Lewis,

As a member of a local community, I have recently witnessed an increase in criminal activities relating to children, through boredom and frustration.

The Rossendale Valley as a large majority of children and in certain areas deprivation exists amongst families. I became aware that these children have limited leisure facilities locally, and I have become concerned that this problem is contributing to their frustration and aggression on the streets.

After discussions with local residents, parents, councils and police, we all have addressed this problem and feel that establishing a local leisure facility within the area would be very beneficial to these deprived children. All parties present above thought it would be beneficial to create a dual-purpose facility, which would be non-profit making. This would include; pool table, table tennis, Discos, Boxing gymnasium, exercise classes and various projects within the community. The idea of the boxing gym is to give the children something to relieve them of their frustration and also teach them discipline.

We believe that these children lack stimulation and a sense of belonging to something and feel that this project would stimulate these children immensely. It would provide a place for them to meet their friends and become involved in projects instead of hanging around street corners, which in today’s society is not safe.

Recently a few local residents and myself have volunteered to embark upon such a project, and have conducted several surveys of the area. We have interested many local businesses to contribute towards this project, and also asked the children what they think of such a ...

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At present it is proving worthwhile, as many donations from local residents have been offered along with support and publicity from the local Free Press newspaper. Many local residents have put their names down to work as volunteers in the leisure club. The social services have asked that these people have police checks, which are currently being undertaken. After discussion with the local council, they have agreed to provide an old fire station building rent-free for one year. This is in an ideal location, but this building is in need of alteration and renovating.

I am writing to ask for your support in this project; already we have raised £2,000 in local charity work and donations received, but still have a long way to go.

The building inside requires plastering, decorating, carpeting and outside requires a lot of structural work. After this work is performed and checked by the necessary departments we will be able to open the club.

A local business as donated 50 tables and chairs, and a boxing gym in Rochdale is prepared to build us a boxing ring, which is much appreciated.

I am writing to you in particular because of your fame in the boxing world, and seek your permission, as a few children have suggested that we name the club after you, “The Lenox Lewis club”. We would also appreciate your support in this worthy cause and possibly a donation towards the building repairs and improvements.

I feel that you name, and your fame as an international Heavy weight boxer would ensure the success of the club and your participating would be a great inspiration to these children, and one day hopefully in the future it may produce some talented boxers like you!

Please let me know if you need any further information. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

(Miss) Joanne Birt

Volunteer of the Project.