Once the dust had settled on the Airport Threat, the project was “full steam ahead” to gain the necessary planning permissions, and then finalise the available funding, some of which was based on permissions being given, and others had passed their time limits.
The project status was thus at the start of 2004.
Communication was key as the big push for funding got underway.
A report of the April 2004 AGM.
The splendid fundraising efforts during 2004 were followed by some even more impressive efforts in 2005. As part of the various updates provided during 2005, the committee elaborated on why there was a need for a Village Hall rather than maintaining the existing Reading Room. The transcribed response, published in the Village Newsletter, was thus:
The Reading Room was built around 1912. Not a lot has been done to it since other than essential maintenance. The present building is damp and there are some worrying cracks in the walls and damage to the roof The heating is inadequate; the “kitchen” falls far short of modem requirements and does not meet current food preparation standards. Most seriously since October 2004 the building has been in breach of the Disability Discrimination Act since it has no provision for disabled users. The only basis on which, legally, we can justify continuing to use it is that the planned refurbishment will address these deficiencies and will be starting soon.
After such a busy period of local fundraising there was also good news and bad news about applications for external funding. There was also disappointing news about additional costs due to vandalism, but good news on the VAT front.
Moving into 2006 the fundraising efforts continued.
An update on the Financial situation was provided in the middle of the year.
An update on the Financial situation was provided in the autumn of 2006.
