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PAVILION CONSTRUCTION WORK TO START !
Though a long time coming, we are delighted to announce that sufficient funding is now in place to start the construction of the new pavilion at the beginning of July. Furthermore, thanks to the persistence of Pat Murphy in questioning the logic of the Custom & Excise decision, the build has also been ruled VAT exempt. This ruling will benefit not only Elstead but many other village projects around the country.
Construction is planned to take place in 2 stages. Stage 1 will use the funding we already have in place to provide us with a working pavilion that has the ground floor fitted out to all users' basic requirements. Stage 2 requires additional funding to furnish the 1st floor and install the bar, meeting rooms, stairs and a lift for the disabled. We hope that this second phase should be completed by this time next year but it is dependant on the success of further grant applications and fund-raising events within the village. So we hope that you will be able to dig deep in your pockets (again!) and find some spare cash to help us complete this wonderful new village resource.
As the new pavilion 'footprint' only overlaps the old by a foot, we are able to keep the original building in use during construction. Only when the ground floor is habitable will the old pavilion be removed. The new car park area and landscaping, designed by local resident Jane Henderson to provide all-round-colour, will also significantly improve the setting.
A leaflet is being sent to all nearby residents to explain the various phases of development in Stage 1 and we are doing all we can to ensure that there is minimum disruption.
Our Annual General Meeting this year is on 13th July at the Pavilion (8 pm) and all village residents are welcome to attend. We would obviously be delighted to receive further donations and you can use the Pavilion Leaflet that was circulated around the village to Gift Aid your contribution (allowing us to claim back a further 28%). If you would like another Gift Aid form, please contact Pat Murphy on 01252 703970.
We are very excited that after 6 years of dedicated effort, with moments of extreme despondency when progress seemed hopeless, we are finally able to begin work. This has only been possible due to the intervention of some key local individuals, the support of Waverley and the Parish Council and, of course, all you village residents who have parted with cash. We thank you all - keep it coming!
Rachel Dunnage
Trustee
The Elstead (Thursley Road) Recreational Trust
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