Disabled access - hand rail

During the last week, we have seen the metal work put in place that forms the hand rail on the disabled ramp.  Its not quite complete as we have a 'brace' to dig into the ground.  The brace will stick out from the the barrier and should provide support against side loads.  The concern is that this could be a trip hazard, but we have little choice, - given the long run of metalwork.  We will highlight the brace to pedestrians and drivers using high visibility and reflective tape.  The good news is that those leaving the hall will not be impacted by the brace.

Music in the hall

Kevin Rickards has donated an 800 watt(!) amplifier and wharfdale speakers.  Akela donated a CD / DVD player. They were all installed in the hall this morning and we now have a great sound system.  All this cost us is some new speaker wire...  thanks Kevin.

Down side from this morning is the fact that the wind grabbed the front door and has ripped the hinge from the door.  Akela will repair this during Monday...

Christmas inbound!

The Christmas tree bought from proceeds of the table top sale is now sitting in the hall, has been decorated and has three sets of lights.

Thanks to Leo, Jo, Dan and Akela for putting up the tree

This evening Cubs will make rustic decorations to hang on the tree and next Thursday a Beaver, Cub and Scout party will take place.  I am told that a special visitor may attend the party!

Grand Opening Dance - report 27th Nov 09

What a night!  With 119 tickets either sold or given to those who supported the project, the hall really rocked.  We intended to make no profit from the event, but after paying out considerable expenses the Scout Group made a profit of £375.

Whilst the project isnt complete, this evening was a major waypoint that indicates we have made significant progress and that the hall is back in use.  Akela took 25 minutes to thank those who have helped and handed over the to Honda plant MD for a few words.  We both agreed its harder to speak without PowerPoint slides.

Honda staff attended and had a great time,  They were the decorating party I mentioned all those months ago...
David Margesson MBE JP DL took to the stage and spoke kindly about the project and the work we have carried out.  He then declared the hall open once more.


The evening ended with everyone 'mucking in' and putting tables and chairs away and removing rubbish. In short, the evening was truly magic and even more successful than we had hoped for.

Disabled ramp - work starts today

Earlier today I authorised work to start on a disabled ramp on the right door (looking from the front) of the Calley Memorial Hall.  I have consulted with the club (our land lords) and they are OK with what is proposed.  A 1.2 metre wide exit ramp will drop from a rectangular platform projecting from the doorway.  Metal rails will run around the platform and ramp.  The surface will be roughened concrete to provide grip.  Design is intended to provide ample room for double buggies, electric vehicles and wheelchairs. To reduce costs the platform and ramp will have exposed concrete sides, rather than brickwork.

Our intention is to have the disabled access complete and available for use prior to the 27/11 function.

The ramp will have a small impact on the capacity of the fire door, but given we have significant over capacity for the main exit, this isn't a practical issue.  The ramp will meet all regulations and protection will be provided for the damp proof course.

Having this work taking place, means that the right hand fire exit will be out of use for circa the next week.
 
A first today:  A home education group has used the hall.  This is another customer who had no where to meet prior to the hall being brought back into use.

Table top sale

The Table Top sale took place this afternoon.  The Scout Group made £110 from table fees and refreshment sales.  The Scout Group want to put a Christmas tree in the hall for all users and will use the money made to buy the tree.

There was lots of support from villagers and  requests to hold regular events of a similar nature.  Below are some pictures of the event:

 

 

It was a very busy afternoon and we would like to thank all those who supported us as buyers and sellers.  Special thanks go to Leo for organising the event and to Jo for helping Leo with refreshments.

Directions to Calley Memorial Hall

With more visitors to the hall, a map may be of use:

Click on the map for a bigger version.

Akela