Shortly after we completed the refurbishment of
our changing rooms 2 years ago a number of people asked me what
would be the next building project. I had thought that the changing
rooms would be the final project but this was not to be the case.
As the hall was showing a significant increase in use we identified
a need to provide more space and also a need to provide an area
where people can meet in a social environment. Hence Phase 5 of our
building programme was launched.
After some 18 months of intensive work securing funding and
building the annexe I am please to say that this facility is now
complete and will, I am sure, form an essential asset to the
community of Great Barton and the surrounding area.
The project, costing £76,300, has been completed
on time and on budget, thanks to the wonderful effort and support
of many people and organizations which I wish to formally
acknowledge on behalf of the Management Committee and the community
as a whole.
It should be noted that this is not the first time all of these
organizations have funded us and I am honored to think that they
have entrusted us to use their money wisely as I know only too well
that they have very limited funds available to satisfy the many
applications they all receive for a wide range of projects.
Thank you to those that have carried out the construction work. The
builders, COPEC Construction, that have once again provided high
quality work on time. To the contractors that have decorated,
installed electrics and heating and fitted out the building to a
high standard. To the many volunteers that have given their time,
helping with the project, cleaning and doing lots of extra jobs
throughout the project.
In completing this work we must remember that
this, like previous projects, is not about bricks and mortar but
about people. We have provided the facility but we must ensure that
it is now well used for the benefit of all. Our village hall is a
focal point for the community and, in my opinion, ranks amongst the
finest throughout the county. We should not, however, be judged
upon the splendid facilities we offer but by the wide range of the
activities that take place on a daily basis throughout the year for
the benefit of everyone.
We know that there are many people in the community that are
reluctant to leave their homes and to become involved in all that
is on offer to them. Many of these live on their own, so if you
know of such people please talk to them and encourage them to come
along and to see what is on offer.
What next?
As many will know we are planning to install
renewable energy in our hall to reduce energy costs and to save on
CO2 emissions. A ground source heat pump will heat the building and
solar pv panels, mounted on the hall roof, will generate our own
electricity
At the present time we have secured 75% of the
funding and a decision for the remaining amount is expected mid
October. Once all funding is in place work will commence, hopefully
during November. We are also planning further improvements to the
car park and to improve the entrance in Elms Close.
The aim of the Great Barton Thanksgiving Fund
and the reason why a village hall was built in Great Barton in the
early 50s can be gleaned from a minute from the Parish Meeting
held in the Church Institute on 30th August 1945
regarding the provision of a hall it reads:
“The sole idea behind the Great Barton
Thanksgiving Fund is that by this venture the parishioners
will be able to show their gratitude to all who had served their
country during the war and at the same time provide facilities for
recreation upon their return as well as for the children”
I am sure that we have done our part to carry on
this venture.
On the Sunday 13th September Chris Allen,
Chair of the Community Investment Focus Group of the Havebury
Housing Partnership, declared the annexe open.
Peter Turner
Project Manager 13.9.09
