The £15,000 scheme of photovoltaic panels will enable the centre to create electricity and sell it to the National Grid and then buy back again, hopefully making some funds for the centre at the same time.


As treasurer Trevor Lyle said: "Solar panels would have just heated up the water."




The Viking Centre was created following the West Lindsey Silver Jubilee Association, formed in October 1978 to carry through the project to celebrate the Queen's Silver Jubilee celebrations in 1977.


Fund raising ventures throughout the area netted approximately £9,600 and the project selected was to convert the former village school in Claxby into a youth and community centre.


Much of the initial work to convert the building was carried out by a youth work experience group – the Gainsborough Project - and the official opening was performed by the Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire in May 1982.



Further grants and donations were received to renew the roof and drainage system in 1986. A grant of more than £68,000 from the National Lottery in 1997 enabled the Viking Centre to be extended, modernised and refurbished and a grant was received from the Lincolnshire Wolds Sustainable Development fund to develop the website and resurfacing.


The Association was established by Trust Deed and four trustees appointed. As trustees left the management committee, it was decided to ask the Charity Commission to assume trusteeship.


The Viking Centre is used by a wide range of community groups including schools, scouts, guides, groups completing Duke of Edinburgh awards, youth clubs, cycle clubs, church organisations and conservation volunteers and heritage groups, the Prince's Trust, and the Youth Mediation service. The facilities are accessible for disabled people and wheelchair users. It can house up to 20 people and is run on a 'not for profit' basis.


Trevor Lyle said grants had been obtained to enable the work to be done, from the Low Carbon Trust, the Lincolnshire Wolds Sustainable Development Fund, West Lindsey District Councillor's Initiative, Lincoln Co-op and other private donations, and this would also enable them to update the website to encourage youngsters to visit local farms and make them more aware of recycling.


He added that more funds were needed and they would be holding a school reunion on August 31 for anyone who had attended the Claxby village school. Anyone who would like to attend can contact Trevor on tlyle@louthtractors.co.uk or write to him at Corner House, Claxby LN8 3RY.