Gainsborough House History

Prior to its usage for community welfare purposes Gainsborough House served the people of Gainsborough both as a public dispensary and later as the Yorkshire Electicity Board offices and showroom. In 1967 it was purchased by the then Gainsborough Urban District Council and leased to the newly formed charity, Gainsborough and District Welfare Community Association.

The mandate of the Association being to provide premises where senior citizens, physically disabled and people with other needs, mental ill-health, sight and hearing impairment, could meet on a regular basis. The purpose being to engage in supportive group and social day care activity. Meals on Wheels service was provided from the kitchens at Gainsborough House and it was the local office of The Royal Women's Voluntary Service. The building remains a rest centre for use in the event of a local civil emergency. Over the years its role and function has changed and some of the services provided have ceased.

In 1997 the Gainsborough and District Welfare Community Association was incorporated and a long-term lease secured from the West Lindsey District Council at a very generous peppercorn rent. In 1999 a Lottery Grant of £133,000 assisted with substantial repairs to the roof and internal decoration throughout the building.

Gainsborough and District Welfare Community Association Ltd and its Board of Directors manage and maintain the building through the agreement with West Lindsey District Council in accordance with a full repairing and insuring lease. To maintain the building and meet utility on-costs some £20,000 has to be raised annually from hiring charges, fund raising within the local community and generous donations and Gift Aid from our many supporters.

Services