“Following a successful grant raising campaign during 2009 we were able to top-up the loft insulation, insulate the cavity walls and install a new central heating system. Grants came from the Grassroots Foundation and Severn Wye Energy Agency. Stroud Town Council also came to our aid with a grant to sound proof a wall and help carry out a survey.

During the next few moths we hope to begin work on the next stage of improvements thanks to £30,000 funding from Gloucestershire Environmental Trust, Barnwood House Trust and the Village Hall and Community Buildings Scheme run by the District Council. Stroud Town Council again helped out by purchasing two notice boards for the front of the building to keep local people informed about events in the hall.

We have had tremendous help from Krista Harris of the Regeneration Department at Ebley Mill and Barbara Pond from Gloucestershire Rural Community Council. We couldn’t have got this far without them.

Improvements will include replacing the railings with hoop-top fencing to match the church along with a handrail on the ramp. There will be improved lighting, new front doors, a reconfiguration of the toilets to include ladies, gents and disabled facilities and bringing water pipes and electricity cables up to modern standards.

The committee hopes that once these improvements are complete the community will benefit from a more attractive and comfortable facility which will be more welcome and accessible to all.

To the residents of the locality, please look at the notice boards for information. We will endeavour to keep you informed and would ask you to keep us informed about what you want from YOUR HALL.”

Pictured are secretary Sue Sutton, with vice-chairman Val and treasurer Martin Kavanagh. Picture courtesy of Stroud News and Journal

To find out more about the Town Council’s Community Grants Scheme click here