New Build Update
WORK IS STARTING ON THE SITE FOR THE NEW HALL!
Over the last few months much progress has been made on the village hall project. The land purchase is complete and work is under way to grade and seed the area behind the school playing field ready for its future use as a Community Playing Field. Breckland Council have funded this part of the project and we are most appreciative of their support. We would also like to note the immense help, given voluntarily to the project, by Roger Margand of Hood-Vores and Allwood in Dereham. His advice and help with the legal aspects of the land purchase is very much appreciated.
Funding has been secured for the new Bowling Green. The bowls club will cease to use the current green at the end of this season and hope to start using their new facilities in 2010. This will enable work on the Children’s Play Area to get under way in the Autumn. Funding for the Play Area has been obtained from the Big Lottery via Breckland Council.
The new hall has full planning permission and we have been successful in getting to the final stage in the funding process with the Big Lottery. In order to progress this the new build team now need your support.
Community Open Evening – 7 May 2008 – 7.30 p.m.
As part of the final bid stage of the Lottery Application we need to agree exactly what we plan to use our new hall for, and how that will enhance our community. Accordingly we need you, the residents of Garvestone and Thuxton to come along to discuss how we plan to use the new hall. Now is the time to come forward, as grant funding may be available to pay for items of equipment. All age groups are welcome, in particular our younger, teenage residents who may be interested in a youth or sports clubs.
In order to obtain the Lottery grant we have to show that the hall will generate new uses over and above the groups that currently use the existing facilities. At present we have the post office two mornings a week, but it may be possible to extend this to include other activities eg health, chiropody clinics. It is down to us to decide what we want and how to make it happen. Expert assistance will be on hand from Breckland Council and other agencies including the Norfolk Rural community Council.
This new hall WILL happen but it needs a wider input from the community to secure the Lottery Funding (which is potentially worth over £150,000). The open evening will take place from 7.30 - 10 pm and there will be plenty of opportunity for you to add your input to the project. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available and it should be a chance to get together socially as well as show your support for this fantastic project. Please bring your copy of Group News with you. If you have any queries please call the Chairman of the New Build Committee – Richard Wright on 01362 850675.
Professional Expertise required:
As you can see from the village hall report we have come a long long way on this project and tangible progress is now being made. In order to deliver the new building and complete the next stage of the Lottery Application we now need some professional expertise. In particular, we are looking for an Accountant to help us through the financial minefield. We already have a bookkeeper but need help with the VAT and other financial matters.
We are also seeking a Project Manager to take the project through the construction phase. Ideally someone with recent experience of CDM regulations, Health & Safety etc. In both instances we appreciate that we may have to pay professional fees but volunteers or discounted fees would be much appreciated. We can offer enthusiastic team support and the good feeling that comes with creating something fantastic for our local community.
Please contact Richard Wright on 01362 850675 for further information.
