THORNHAM: First turf cut at £640,000 pavilion
Traditional cutting of the first sod marks the start of building work for Thornham village hall. Ready with their spades are (from left): Ann Whiting (trustee), Anthony Needham (vice chair parish council), the Rev Christopher Wood and Wendy Brooks (Chairman Parish Council).
Another major milestone has passed for Thornham’s new £640,000 village hall and sports pavilion with the cutting of the first turf.
The start of building work is the culmination of a five-year development plan to replace the old wooden hall, built in 1906 as a drill hall for the Church Lads’ Brigade.
Residents hope the modern, multi-purpose hall and pavilion will became a hub of village life and attract interest from surrounding areas.
John Warham, chairman of the project committee, said: “Now we’re getting there. We’re all very excited about moving to the next phase of our project.”
Wendy Brooks, chairman of Thornham Parish Council, said: “When activity started on the village’s new playing field in 2007, it seemed the obvious location for a replacement for the old drill hall.”
She praised Thornham villagers for the time and effort they put into raising money. “Their fundraising, combined with the unbelievably impressive efforts of our project team, finally convinced the Big Lottery Fund to make such a significant grant,” she said.
The grant of £475,910 was secured last year on top of £15,000 from the Norfolk Rural Community Council, £10,000 from West Norfolk Council and a £20,820 development grant from the Big Lottery Fund.
The building contract has been awarded to Walker Construction Services, of Lynn. Completion is scheduled before the end of August.
Mark Walker said: “We look forward to helping to make this exciting project and great success.”
The architects are the Dearlove Partnership, of Leicester.
Mrs Brooks said: “The only shame is that some members of the project team cannot be here to see the first sod cut and construction begin. Let’s just look forward and say roll on the opening ceremony.”
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Weather for King's Lynn
Saturday 25 May 2013
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