June 2008

A long-awaited extension to the hall has been approved after two years' work by the corps business board and THQ. The extension, which will be used for storage and an office the CO, will run along the western side of the building adjacent to George's Hall and the lounge. It will extend outwards to abut the electricity sub-station.

The aerial photograph is annotated yellow to show where the extension will be built (not to scale!).

Details of the funding for this were set out in a letter from Major Wright. The extension, together with equipment, will cost over £200,000. More than a quarter of this will come from legacies held at THQ with the remainder being met by the corps building fund, corps accounts, corps sections are being asked to contribute, and the Charity Shop will release some accrued money. A shortfall of £33,000 is being put before the corps fellowship to prayfully consider in terms of personal giving. There was an option to obtain a bank loan, but the business board felt it would be better to raise the money from the corps. Major Wright spoke of one person who, on hearing of the plans, made a substantial donation saying 'You would have got it eventually, but you might as well have it now and I can enjoy the benfits of my gift."

Building work is expected to start around the end of June, beginning of July 2008.