Work is expected to start next week (w/s 13 August) to build the walls of the new Hall, and to allow the work to progress safely, scaffolding will be needed. As the structure is situated close to the pavement, this may mean that the scaffolding may impact on the access along the pavement, but the contractors, Thomas Armstrong Ltd, are planning to keep the access open as much as possible.

The Village Hall Committee is busy dealing with all the planning needed to get systems & policies (such as booking systems, website, finance systems etc.) in place in advance of the new Hall opening as a Community Services Hub. We are also finalising the detail of the build, such as rendering, flooring, paintwork, curtains, doors, and lighting.

We have a site visit with the Big Lottery soon, and we are keeping other funders informed. Jon Rush, our Chair, has been on BBC Radio Cumbria recently as the BBC is interested in keeping Cumbria informed about our progress. And Action with Communities in Cumbria are also keeping tabs on how the Hall progresses, as they are celebrating their 70th anniversary of supporting communities in Cumbria, including helping them to look after their community buildings.

As the build is progressing well, the expected time of completion and handover of the build from Thomas Armstrong Ltd to the Village Hall Committee is the end of 2018. The Committee is looking at how we can celebrate the completion of the new Hall – suggestions welcomed!

Keep updated on the progress of the Hall, online or follow us on social media: Twitter @StaintonVH or Facebook Staintonvhall.

To make offers of help for the new Hall, please email enquiries@staintonvh.org.uk   or contact Jon Rush 07825341354.