A popular Powys restaurant has decided to support a Welsh Charity after a successful first year of trading.

 

‘The Banc’ in Knighton recently donated £2,000 to Wales Air Ambulance following a series of events held at the newly opened facility in the small welsh town.

 

Formerly the local HSBC, Holly Milward, and Craig Small took ownership of the premises after the high-street bank closed its doors for the final time in May 2017.

 

After eight months of restoration and hard graft, the fresh-faced ‘Banc’ reopened to the public as bar and restaurant in July 2018.

 

Talking about their donation, Holly said: “Our previous jobs involved elements of fundraising for Wales Air Ambulance, so we were determined to continue supporting them in any way we could with this new business venture.

 

“The first twelve months have been fantastic, and the restaurant continues to go from strength to strength. We are proud to be able to support such a worthy cause and fully appreciate how important the service is to the rural communities of Mid-Wales.”

 

During the first year of business, Holly and Craig decided to be as creative as possible with their fundraising efforts by not only holding various events at the restaurant but also by running a weekly ‘Bonus Ball’ competition.

 

Holly added: “Loosely based on the National Lottery’s weekly ‘Bonus Ball’ results, customers would pay to be allocated a number, if their number came up then they would win half of the proceeds whilst the remaining half would be donated to Wales Air Ambulance.”

 

“It certainly proved popular, testimony to the fact that £2,000 has been raised in just twelve months alone.”

 

Wales Air Ambulance Mid-Wales Fundraising Manager, Andrew Hall said: “We cannot thank Holly, Craig, and everyone at ‘The Banc’ enough for their incredibly generous donation. Each year we rely solely on the support of the Welsh public to help raise £6.5 million. It is only through support from businesses’ such as ‘The Banc’ that we are able to continue flying lifesaving missions all over Wales.

 

“A special thank you must also go to all the customers who regularly visit the restaurant and support the fundraising activities in aid of our charity.

 

“We would like to wish Holly and Craig all the very best and long may their business prosper.”