Recent Developments and Plans for the Future

We are pleased to confirm that the decking area is installed and will be in use this summer. The herb garden has now been completed and the cookery groups that use the refitted kitchen facilities in the Centre will be able to harvest these herbs.

While the decking project was underway we checked the trees to be sure that they were safe. There had also been concerns regarding the danger of damage to the roof of the Centre and the neighboring flats. It is just as well that we did as the tree surgeon discovered a number of trees were deceased and unsafe. Others were overgrown and needed cutting back for safety reasons. The work has been carried out and the rear area cleared of wild scrub and brambles.

Our next task is to develop this area into another community asset as part of the development of the Centre.

We are now consulting with an architect to plan a suitable parking area where converted minibuses will be able to use their ramp to allow disabled access to the Centre. We will also design and build walkways suitable for wheelchairs around the grounds.

When this work is complete we plan to obtain suitable plants that can form part of a low maintenance garden of aromatic and visually attractive zones, as well as areas of shade where people can sit and enjoy the atmosphere. Encouraging wildlife will be considered in the planning stages. It is also our intention to place benches in the area. We have already had a donation of one of these benches as a memorial so if you are interested in placing a memorial bench to someone please let us know.

As the decking area is now safe for use we have bought a small amount of furniture. If you are planning on updating your garden furniture and the old items are still in good condition we would be interested in having these for this area. Please let the Secretary know if you have anything suitable and we will arrange for it to be collected.

As we want this development to be of a good standard and to last it is going to be expensive to carry out the work needed. We will be seeking a large grant for this and have an idea where we may be able to obtain this. If we are not successful we will be seeking other funding; so if you know of any organisations likely to support a development that will help the community and is designed to allow equal access to disabled users please let us know.

Our last project is to look at a means of saving costs on our electricity bill by installing photoelectric cells on the extensive south-facing roof.