As part of our farewell party for the old village hall, Gordon, from the The Ridge Foundations, came to chat to us about their approach to taking on the build of the new hall.
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Old hall farewell party!
With the build of the new hall rapidly approaching, time has finally run out for the old hall that has served so many people so well for so long. For some 70 years, the old military shed has hosted pub quizzes, weddings, flower shows, and lots more.
We needed to send her off with a celebration, so today, the community gathered there for one last time. With tables laden with home baking, and a fridge full of champagne, we raised a final toast to the old girl in glorious sunshine!
Committee meeting, September 28th 2025
Highlights: The Ridge returned a second revision of costing details for the hall build. Pressing for final closure of the land purchase. Village hall requires a postal address for SPEN to disconnect the power! Planning for a farewell event for the old village hall.
Committee meeting, September 21st 2025
Highlights: Seeking final written funding agreement from CWP Energy. Unfortunately, the CARES funding for our renewables is no longer available, thanks to a change of government policy. Final project costs including all areas of spending has been totalled up.
Committee meeting, September 14th 2025
Highlights: OCA meetings are moving from monthly to weekly during the most intensive period of work towards the new hall. Final funding discussions are under way with CWP Energy. Land purchase is now all but complete – monies are being transferred to our solicitor to make payments. Stage 2 of hall cost refinements with The Ridge is underway.
Committee meeting, September 2nd 2025
Highlights: Defibrillator on the village hall has been provided with new paddles and is back in service. Bus stop has been agreed to be replaced by ELC with something in keeping and more accessible. After all tender responses for the hall have been received and reviewed, The Ridge Foundation is tentatively selected as our preferred contractor for the build!
Committee meeting, August 5th 2025
Highlights: Tender responses received for 4 of the 5 contractors, 1 still to come. Decision on the mandatory EV chargers is now critical for progress towards the hall build. Oldhamstocks For Nature doing lots of good work around the village!
Committee meeting, July 7th 2025
Highlights: Planning Conditions for the hall include providing 2 EV charging stations, the location for which has to be decided and confirmed with ELC before the hall build can commence. SORELL report that the deadline for representations to ECU regarding Springfield solar farm is 4th August.
Committee meeting, June 3rd 2025
Highlights: Land purchase for the hall is moving to final stages, with all terms now agreed. Tender documents for the hall build have been sent out to 5 contractors!
Committee meeting, May 13th 2025
Highlights: Energy Projects Partnership Manager Beth Landon joined our meeting to talk through her role as main communication link between all the renewables developers. Tender documents have been reviewed in fine detail between OCA and CSY. Looking to submit tender in late May or early June.