Whittingham Memorial Institute

Renovation Picture Gallery

 

Village Hall Re-opening 25th July 2009

 

WOW, What a Difference

 

Have you seen it? It looks very good indeed; much brighter, accessible and welcoming. The facilities are modern, with fully equipped kitchen and toilets and the décor is light and attractive. The main hall has clean lines and the back rooms are a revelation. The improvements retain the essence of the building whilst making it truly “The Village Hall for All” – for everyone and all occasions.

The official re-opening of Whittingham Memorial Institute was performed, on 25 th July, by The Rt. Hon. Sir Alan Beith M.P. when he cut a ribbon held by Niamh Shiels (youngest school child) and May Smith (oldest resident born in Whittingham).

Everyone expressed pleasure with, and approval of, the refurbishments. Sir Alan, who knew the hall from his days as a resident in the village, captured the sentiments of many by saying “Wow, what a difference!” Following speeches the school children sang and afternoon tea was served, including an appropriately decorated cake by Joyce Dale. It was a special village occasion.

Thanks to the building surveyor, John Watson; the main contractor, John Gregory & Sons, all the sub-contractors and, of course, the Big Lottery without whom it would not have happened. Thanks too to the committee and particularly Ian Blakey who worked countless hours and days to ensure the success of the project.

In the evening the “Re-opening” Ceilidh was great fun with great music from NE66. It was a relaxing (!) end to a process that has taken nine years to complete.

Geoff Hoskin

Secretary

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From This .............. Main Hall	To................... 11 January - Work Begins	................... The roof is off	This........... Main Hall
Kitchen	The kitchen has gone	The new roof is going on	Kitchen
Gents Toilets	The Gents toilet has gone	The back rooms are removed	Accessible Toilet
Old Roof & windows	18 February - The new roof	The new roof	New Roof
Function room	The floor supports	6th March - New floor joists	Function Room
Steps down to function room	13 March - The new floor	13 March - The new floor	Function Room
Kitchen taps & window	15 April - New kitchen walls	15 April - New kitchen walls	Kitchen
Function room	15 April - New function room	15 April - New function room	Function Room
Fire exit	5th May - New roof windows	5th May - New fire exit ramp	Main hall
Windows	5th May - New front windows	5th May - New guttering	New Windows
Ladies toilet sink	29th May - Function room	29th May - New kitchen	Ladies Toilet