Although it’s only been a few weeks since the last update from The Trustees, we have a lot of positive news to share with you:
Rockface
The geo-survey revealed some sections of sandstone that are potentially at risk of falling and suggested a range of remedial measures. After costing the various options, it has been decided to build an 8ft fence and a brick wall to continue along the line of the existing wall next to the car park. To protect the rockface from any further erosion, the area will be backfilled with pea shingle, which will allow drainage. It is hoped that this work can be completed end of March/beginning of April. The fence will be installed by a professional contractor, but we will be calling on our DIY volunteers to come and be the labour for the professional bricklayer and will be in contact once dates have been set
Indoors
We have commissioned a range of surveys to ensure that the building meets compliance in a range of areas: fire safety (kindly donated by Principle Fire Protection Ltd of Leamington Spa) and asbestos have already been carried out and drainage, water and electrical safety and PAT testing are scheduled to take place in March. In addition, we will be commissioning a DDA assessment to ensure that we are as accessible as possible to all members of the community. There will definitely be work to do as a result of these assessments, but we are already writing policies and commissioning work to meet standards. All of these obviously cost money and we are awaiting the outcome of a grant application to the Telford Shropshire Support Fund, which would cover the majority of the survey costs but not the necessary work.
Charity Commission
We are delighted to say that our Charity Commission submission is now complete
Fundraising
We have a few grant application irons in the fire, and more will follow as we identify projects further down the line, but the main focus of our fundraising will be the Sponsor a Brick Campaign, which, thanks to the people power of the ACG, will be coming through your door this week. The ACG members will be coming to chat to you about the campaign but are also hoping to find out what the hall means to you and your family. These personal recollections will be invaluable to us when applying for grant funding in the future and will help shape the future of the hall, so please spare a few minutes to chat and maybe sponsor a brick or two! And remember, if you are a UK tax payer and you complete the Gift Aid form, the Hall will get another 25% on top of your donation – that could be another £1500!
Thank you for your continued support.
The Trustees