News
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT - CLUB REFURBISHMENT - UPDATE 2
Dear all
Introduction.
As promised I am delighted to outline below in this 2nd update report the current position regarding the Club refurbishment. For those of you who have had the opportunity to visit the Club in the past month the transformation is there for all to see. Tony Blackwell, Robbie Robinson and their team of up to 30 intrepid volunteers remain on schedule for a May completion.
Work completed.
The bottom and middle rooms are now all one and on one level. The rooms have been re-painted and new ceilings and lighting incorporated. The new bar is almost complete with 3 stained glass panels courtesy of Stuart " Charles Rennie Mackintosh " Swallow. Tuesday 25th March is expected to be the day we switch to the new bar. Next 4 weeks. The next 4 weeks will continue to bring rapid progress with the bottom room being tiled and all decoration work completed. The new entrance will be built and a temporary disabled ramp created. The old bar store will be demolished ( the new one is nearly finished ) and work will start on the toilets. We have a similar timeframe for the new speaker system to be available in both rooms.
Towards the finale.
We remain on course for completion in May. From mid-April the old bar will be demolished, the new library built, the dining room finished and 3 gazeboes installed in the garden. Provisionally please diarise May 15th as a members open day to view the new clubhouse.
The Budget.
We remain on budget though we will probably have to make use of part of the contingency fund. This is because, though not in the original budget, we are replacing the ceilings and lights in the middle and top rooms and providing extra double glazing around the new entrance.
Outstanding issues.
So far we have not been faced with any insurmountable issues. The question of fire safety has been raised by a small number of members. Both Council and the refurbishment team take all safety issues extremely seriously. We believe the Club is safer in this regard than ever before. Where as the " old " Club was made of timber ( as per the current bar area ) and the wiring of various ages the " new " Club offers enhanced safety features. All walls and ceilings will be covered with plaster board which provides a 30 minute fire check allowing plenty of time for the club to be evacuated. All wiring has been replaced and breakers upgraded. Member safety is paramount and whilst we already have our 2008 fire certificate we are asking the fire authorities to re-visit the club to ensure all our work meets the appropriate standards.
In conclusion.
Thanks to the outstanding efforts of our team of helpers the refurbishment project remains on time and budget. We thank all those members and activity leaders who have continued to support the Club through the disruptions and ask you again to diarise May 15th, the provisional date we have set for celebrating the completion of the refurbished Club.
David Cornthwaite ( For and behalf of Council )