Myland Parish Halls

The regular Site Meeting of Contractors and professionals took place this week, and we are pleased to report that the work is on schedule; the generally favourable weather this month has enabled the contractors to make good progress. As usual, we have a report and photos on our "Progress Reports" page.

Essex County Standard reports the start of work

12th June 2009

The news that work has started on the Modernisation Project was reported in today's edition of the Essex County Standard. Whilst the press couldn't be expected to acknowledge the full list of our supporters and funders, we are so grateful to everyone who has helped us get this far - and we are reminded of that every time we see the building site! View our Press Cuttings page

The work has started

26th May 2009

After seven years of vision, planning, fundraising and lots, lots, lots of hard work, today was a real milestone for the Myland Parish Halls Modernisation Project. The Contractor, Rose Builders Ltd, spent the weekend doing preparation work - and actually moved onto the site today to begin the Project. So all the effort - on everything from writing documents to clearing sheds - is bearing fruit. We look forward to progress - so keep checking the site for regular reports.

Project Timing Announced

11th May 2009

Having appointed Rose Builders Ltd as Contractors to the Project, we have confirmed timescales with them for the works, and can now say that the Halls are expected to re-open at the start of January.

This is later than we had hoped, for two reasons: firstly, appointment of the Contractor took longer because the Big Lottery Fund, as major funders, exercised the right to review the Tender Report and agree the appointment. Secondly, we have been able to increase the amount of work in the Contract, which has lengthened its duration. You will recall that refurbishment of the Main Hall was not included in the original project because of cost, but was deferred to a Phase 2. However, recent successes in gaining grants has meant that we can deliver both Phase 1 and Phase 2 – and it will be less disruption and less cost if we do all the work now.

We will look forward to our Hall Management Team meeting on 17^th June. In the meantime, please continue to check the website for further news and progress reports.

The Plant Sale made £660 profit!

9th May 2009

Our Plant Sale on 9th May was even more popular than ever this year, and made a record £660 profit, which adds to the funds available for the Halls Modernisation Project. We have already announced that the Project is fully funded - so this money now lengthens the list of purchases we can make for the interior of the halls - everything from teapots to toilet brushes! Our thanks to the twenty people who came and helped, and to the hundreds who bought the plants. As the Halls are closed for modernisation, the Sale took place in Church for the first time - here's how it looked, before the start of the sale!

Contractors Appointed

7th May 2009

We are delighted to announce that we have appointed Rose Builders Ltd as Contractors for the Myland Parish Halls Modernisation Project. Rose Builders are a traditional, family-run firm and one of the leading Construction firms in East Anglia. Their extensive list of Clients includes Essex County Council, Colchester Garrison and Colchester Institute, and they have recently completed special housing for Family Mosaic Ltd in Church Farm Way, next to the Church.

We are now working with Rose Builders Ltd and PJB Chartered Architects Ltd, our Managing Architects, on detailed planning of the Project, and we will be announcing timescales for the Project very soon.

"Tired and emotional" as Halls close

26th April 2009

Those words are usually linked with being rather inebriated - but not in this case! There were lots of tired people in the Halls on the evening of Saturday 25th April, when we held a Fish & Chip Supper Party to celebrate the closing of the Halls and the beginning of the Modernisation Project. Tiredness was the result of weeks of hard work clearing out the Halls and the sheds, so that Contractors can move in, and so that Organisations can continue to meet in other locations. The emotion came at the end of the evening - when we were asked to put our chairs away. We were using the oldest chairs, and each of us was asked to put them in the skip as we left! A symbolic act, which brought home the reality of our success, after seven years of fundraising, planning and community effort. Strong people as we are, the tiredness and emotion didn't show - it was another bright evening of fun & games - but surely we must allow ourselves a little emotion, as we thank everyone for such hard work over a sustained period. It was a great evening, which even raised an unexpected £113! Now the project work starts....

The Tenders are in

9 April 2009

Today saw the deadline for receipt of Tenders for the Halls Modernisation Project. We are delighted to confirm that good-standard tenders have been received which are now being evaluated, and we fully expect to be able to appoint the recommended Contractor within a short space of time and to commence the Project.

Church Bookings Diary on the web

20 March 2009

Those User Organisations who will be meeting in Church whilst the Halls are closed for modernisation can check their booking on the Church's Website - click here to go to the diary page.

User Groups rollup their sleeves

18 March 2009

At the Hall Management team Meeting tonight, we heard that all the User Organisations are working hard to prepare for closure of the Halls on April 25th. All the Groups have finalised their plans for meeting during the Modernisation Project, and have also been clearing possessions from the Halls, so that Contractors can move in. We also saw the final, agreed plans for the work, and are now eagerly awaiting this long-overdue improvement in the facilities. Roll on the autumn!

Essex Community Foundation support Myland Parish Halls

11 March 2009

We are pleased to report that Essex Community Foundation have recognised the worth of the Halls to the Myland community by granting us £8,000 towards the Halls Modernisation Project. With only two more Grant applications still being considered by funding bodies, and money still being raised by local organisations, the starting line for the Project is now in sight!

And yet another!

5 March 2009

In another amazing week for the Project, we have received confirmation from the Clothworkers' Foundation, the charitable arm of the City livery company, that they have awarded us the wonderful sum of £15,000. We're getting very close to the target now - but won't know how close until we see the Tenders for the work, which are due to be received next month.

Another grant received

1 March 2009

We are delighted to announce that another benevolent organisation, the Batty Charitable Trust, have awarded us a grant for the Modernisation Project. We are very grateful to the Trustees for their cheque for £5,000, which brings us ever closer to our funding target!

Rector's Quiz of the Century

28 February 2009

The Halls were packed with people, and the evening was packed with 100 questions - one on each year of the past century - plus hefty music rounds and table quizzes. Thankfully, the teams showed that their brains were packed with facts!

Another amazing grant

3 February 2009

We are delighted to report that the Fowler, Smith and Jones Charitable Trust, a Trust which has helped a large number of organisations and projects across Essex, has confirmed that they will help the Halls Modernisation Project with a substantial grant. As the starting date for the Project gets closer, so we are getting closer to the funding target!

Exciting news - Project Start Date announced

30 January 2009

The Project Board and the Parochial Church Council have now published a date for the Modernisation Project to go ahead - the Halls close for refurbishment on Saturday, 25th April. When we know more about the building contract, we'll be able to give a target date for re-opening, but it is planned to be in the middle of the Autumn term. We are currently discussing the implications with each User Organisation, and we'll keep posting news here. It's all getting exciting!

Further grant reduces the shortfall

24 January 2009

A cheque for £5,000 dropped through our letterbox yesterday, as the Garfield Weston Foundation became the latest Trust to recognise the needs of Myland and the worth of the Project. Our sincere thanks to the Trustees for their generosity, which brings the funding gap down to £64,000.

Press Cuttings

1 January 2009

Like all good projects, we've started keeping press cuttings: click here to see the first few!

Mothers' Union raise the dough

31 December 2008

Fundraising for the Modernisation Project continues non-stop - and at their recent service to celebrate their 95th Anniversary, Myland Mothers' Union presented us with a cheque for £550, raised by baking and by making marmalade for sale after Church services. Thank you to all MU members - and of course to those who bought the goods!

Big Lottery Fund go public

17 December 2008

The Big Lottery Fund have today issued a Press release, announcing the award of £385,000 to the Myland Parish Halls Modernisation project. To read the announcement on their website, click here.

Christmas Fair raises £664

1 November 2008

On a day which promised rain -and delivered its promise -an impressive number of people came to enjoy the stalls and spend lots of money! Thanks to everyone involved in the planning, and all our User Organisations, for adding to the fun and to the funds!

Crafty people spend an evening making money!

29 October 2008

No, they didn't set up in competition to the Royal Mint - but the effect was the same! Around 40 people were hard at work in the Halls last night, making Christmas crafts whilst having a good natter (and I saw some punch being served...) and the result was another bag of money towards the Modernisation Project. When counted, it's amazing to discover that it was one hundred and fifty five pounds! A terrific result - thank you, all!

The fun and fundraising never stops

21 September 2008

While we're waiting for Trusts and the Big Lottery Fund to add their support to the Project, we continue our 2008 programme of fundraising events. The annual Fun Quiz, organised by 1st Myland (St. Michael's) Scout Group on 20th September added £87.50 almost without trying - and Girlguiding Myland's Craft and Chat Evening on 26th October should be another happy evening. Be part of it - tickets are available from (01206) 843360.

Allchurches Trust grants £750

26 August 2008

Even during the holiday season, fundraising doesn't stop - nor does the support we receive from other organisations. The Allchurches Trust is the latest charity to recognise the value of the Halls Modernisation Project, with a second grant from their precious finances.

Big Lottery Fund pay us a visit

20 August 2008

Having received our Stage 2 Application, representatives of the Big Lottery Fund visited us today, and spent the day with the Project Board during which they viewed the site and gained further in-depth knowledge of the project and our plans. We now await their response in a few months' time.

Grant Applications are on track

30th July 2008

Funding arrangements for the Modernisation Project took a step forward today, when our application to the Big Lottery Fund's Community Buildings Programme was completed and mailed to the Big Lottery Fund's offices. This is a Stage 2 Application, so we are well on the way to getting a decision on this major part of our funding. However, further funds still need to be raised, and we are relying on the continuing support of our active community organisations, as well as making grant applications to other bodies.

Summer Fair - something wonderful!

27th July 2008

Our Summer Fair on Saturday 26th July was a resounding success, with all the Halls' user Organisations working hard and the community turning out in force to support us. The net result - another £1,700 for the Modernisation Project!

Another £1,000 - it just keeps rolling in!

25th June 2008

A commercial organisation, happy to remain anonymous, has donated £1,000 to the Modernisation Project this week! What a positive statement of the worth of the work we are doing - and of the needs we are addressing. If you or your organisation would like to help us in any way, we will be pleased to publicise it; however we take this opportunity to convey publicly our gratitude for the many anonymous donations we have received.

Colchester Borough Council grant £15,000

21st June 2008

We are delighted to report that we have received a cheque from Colchester Borough Council for £14,985.13p as a grant to the Modernisation project. The money represents "Section 106 funds", relating to the development of the local community. We are most grateful for this valuable encouragement, which also demonstrates the worth of our project to other potential sources of funding.

Craft and Chat.. and cash

12th June 2008

Girlguiding Myland can be delighted with their "Craft and Chat" evening, to raise funds for our Modernisation Project - every ticket was sold for the event, and it was a full and productive evening in all senses of those words! £269.28 was raised, which keeps up the Project's momentum and is a great encouragement to all the other User Organisations who have generously planned further events to be held in the coming weeks and months Thank you!

Partnership Sponsors strengthen our case

31st May 2008

We are delighted to announce two more Partnership Sponsors of the Myland Parish Halls Modernisation Project -Greenacres Property Management and C M Cadman & Son. This raises to 7 the number of local businesses who recognise the value of the work we are doing - and the value of community itself. This is a great encouragement for us, and also an important statement that we have broad local support. Thank you!

Myland Parish Council Adds yet more support

31st May 2008

We have heard today that Myland Parish Council, already strong supporters of the Myland Parish Halls Modernisation Project, have voted a generous donation of £1,000. We are humbly aware that the money available to the Council is raised from local Rates, and vow to ensure that the Myland community receives good value for this valuable contribution.

Grand Open Day was.... grand!

31st May 2008

Over 200 people were involved in making our Grand Open Day a success. All the User Organisations were represented, and had prepared display stands to introduce and promote their Groups to the people of Myland, who came along in good numbers - as did MP Bob Russell, himself a strong supporter. There was lots of interest, too, in our plans for the future of the Halls, including the 3-D animation of the building plans prepared by our Architects. But most of all, the Open Day brought the community together in a new and exciting way. Well done, all!

All in a week's work!

24th May 2008

In one amazing week, over £600 has been raised for the Halls Modernisation Project by our local community - and hundreds of people were involved! Firstly, Myland County Primary School raised £256 on their non-uniform day; then Girlguiding Myland raised over £80 at their family campfire songs evening. On top of that, we are delighted to announce three new Sponsor Partners - the Lorraine George School of Dancing and Performing Arts, the Hunnaball Family Funeral Group and Redwood Photographic Laboratories Limited. Thank you all, for your generous support.

Plant Sale raises over £700

10th May 2008

This year's Plant Sale, held in blazing sunshine on Saturday 10th May, made over £730 profit! That's a record for the event, and an enormous help towards our fundraising target.

Planning Consent Granted

1st May 2008

At the end of March we submitted our Planning Application for the modernisation of the Halls; the target date for concluding the work was 27th May, but we have now heard that Planning Consent has now been given! We are grateful to Colchester Borough Council for their hard work, and for all who have indicated their support.

The Fundraising Programme grows and grows!

23rd April 2008

Organisations who meet regularly at Myland Parish Halls have been very busy making plans for special events to raise funds for the Modernisation project - and some have already been held. To mention just three - Myland Playgroup raised £131 by dressing up & performing songs during Book Week; the Parent & Toddler Group raised over £100 through secondhand book sales and an Easter Raffle; and the Mothers' Union raised over £100 by selling cakes & preserves after Church. Our thanks to everyone involved for your initiative and generosity!

User Organisations have the last word on modernisation

5th March 2008

At the beginning of March our architects, PJB Chartered Architects Ltd, produced a revised set of plans for the modernisation of the Halls, and Users were invited to view them and make suggestions at an Open Evening on 5th March. As a result, changes were made, the plans were costed and brought to a special meeting of the Halls Management Team, when we looked at the implications of the Project - principally the amount of money which has still to be raised, and how we are to achieve it all!

Halls win First Prize in Augustine Courtauld Memorial Awards

6th February 2008

At the 2008 Augustine Courtauld Memorial Awards, held annually by the Rural Community Council of Essex, Myland Parish Halls won the first prize, along with a cheque for £1,000. The citation reads "In recognition of their fundraising achievements" and we thank everyone involved with the Halls, because all have contributed to this success. The award will help us buy portable staging, enabling User Organisations put on performances, concerts, lectures and demonstrations - which of course will help us generate even more funds towards the Halls Modernisation Project.

Family Beetle Drive raises fun and funds!

26th January 2008

There was frantic fun in Myland Parish Halls for our first fund-raising event of 2008 - and how good it was to see people of all ages enjoying a Family Beetle Drive. Often seen as a feature of social evenings in the dim and distant past, this Beetle Drive was a fast-paced and entertaining way to spend time with friends old and new. And the Modernisation Project benefited to the tune of £150! Well done, everyone!

Big Lottery Fund awards £25,000

19th December 2007

We are delighted to announce that the Big Lottery Fund have awarded the Halls a development Grant of £25,000 towards the Myland Parish Halls Modernisation Project.

Earlier in 2007, an application was made to the Big Lottery Fund's Community Buildings funding stream, and that application has successfully passed Stage 1. The development grant will fund work by the necessary professionals (architects, surveyors, solicitors etc) to enable us to submit a Stage 2 application in a few months' time. A final decision can then be made on whether a full grant will be awarded, and the decision will be conveyed to us within six months of making that application. If we are successful, and all other funds are raised, the works can then go ahead.

This news is the culmination of sustained hard work over an extended period by a number of people in the Myland community. Some have made personal donations; many organisations and individuals have been hard at work fundraising; and we are most grateful for donations and support we have received from Essex County Council's Community Initiatives Fund, Myland Parish Council, Myland Community Association, The Community Forum and the Allchurches Trust; and the Rural Community Council of Essex.

There is still a substantial target for further fundraising, and a lot of hard work to do this year, but the Big Lottery Fund's decision has given us great encouragement.

Myland Parish Halls are part of St. Michael's Church, Registered Charity no. 1130020

and a member of the Rural Community Council of Essex

& Community Matters (The National Federation of Community Organisations)