The Hall Committee have wanted to update the heating and electrics in the Hall to make it far more economical as well as attractive to users.

So after a lot of research, discussion on options, and fundraising activities to swell our bank account, we were ready to progress with the work in August, which causes the least disruption to our regular users.

Having looked at quotes for all we wanted to do, the ‘bill’ was about £17,000, and this would practically empty our account. With some extra bits needed doing such as decorating the floor, we couldn’t afford both!

However, while searching through possible grant avenues from the Quartet Community Foundation, we came upon Churngold Environmental Fund, who had a small window to apply for funds up to £10,000 with a quick turnaround.

Luckily, we had all the required information, and applied for the heating part of the work as this ‘ticked’ the right box. The work was due to start on 7th August, and on 19th July we heard we had been awarded a grant of £6,253, which covered the heating work.

During this time, we have also been in discussion with the Parish Council, who are ultimately responsible for the building, regarding part of the planned electrical work linked to safety aspects, and they helped us with approximately £3,000, which covers 50% of those works.

This released funds to enable us to redecorate the main hall and stage, then sand and varnish the same areas – no-one can remember if the stage has ever been done before!

We have replaced the side curtains with blinds, and all stage curtains have been washed – even the large ones!

This has been completed thanks to regular users working with us while the work was being carried out, committee members coming to help move things around, and of course, if it wasn’t for the support of residents, we couldn’t raise the funds required to undertake such a task.

Like everything, when you improve one area you see the negative parts elsewhere, and we now need to deep-clean the kitchen, and the bar area needs replacing, so thefundraising continues...

Come and see the hall, as the photos don’t really show it off fully. The next event, on Saturday, 21st October, is our fifth Craft and Gift Fayre, which runs from 10.30 a.m. to 4.p.m. Refreshments will be available all day, and there are lots of stalls with a wide range of crafts suitable for gifts, so shop early, and be organised for Christmas.

Sally Davis