AFTER a four-year fund-raising programme, the £565,000 redevelopment of Holford Village Hall has taken a major step towards reality.
A turf-cutting ceremony signalled the start of a major modernisation and expansion programme due to be completed by next spring.
Residents, builders, officials, sponsors and members of Holford youth karate group gathered on site for the turf-cutting on September 5.
“Our whole aim has been to create a community building that’s fit for the future”, said the village hall chairman Alan Falkingham.
“It’s been a real rollercoaster and we’re so appreciative of everyone who has helped us through the fund-raising”, Mr Falkingham added.
He said most of the funding came from the Big Lottery Fund, the European Social Fund, EDF (through the Hinkley Point C Community Impact Mitigation Fund) and Viridor Credits Environmental Company.
Contributions also came from Trusthouse Charitable Foundation and Garfield Weston Foundation, with Holford Parish Council and local residents helping the project over the finishing line.
The development programme will create an extended, insulated and re-roofed building with a large hall and ‘green room’ facilities, a new meeting room, modern kitchen and new toilet facilities.
The car park is also being extended and will be shared with Holford Cricket Club on land made available by the Free Press (September 14).