Developments

NEWS – The Legacy Project

Following a very generous legacy of £40K from Mr Christopher Eric Burton the Legacy Project was established in 2017.  His wishes were to develop a capital project that would benefit the village. Desk top research was undertaken to seek and collate your views and expectations and the concept of extending the main hall was by far the preferred choice.  The project was delivered in June 2021.

Sincere thanks and acknowledgements must be given to those organisations who generously provided funds to enable us to deliver the project:

· acre

· Beds Rural Grant Scheme

· Garfield Weston Foundation

· Harpur Trust

· National Lottery Fund

· Willington Parish Council

· Wixamtree Trust.

Special thanks are also given to the Bedford Borough Councillors for their support in funding LED lighting and fire alarms for both halls.  A plaque in memory of Mr Burton and all those who gave financial support has been erected in the extension.

The project has delivered a room with capacity for up to 60 people, additional kitchen and toilet facilities, extra car parking spaces, a cycle park and double doors opening onto a new patio area.  An ideal location for larger events as bi-folding doors opens to an expanse of space for numerous social, recreational, and business activities.

Chris Dowson

Secretary

VHMC

Background

Following a generous bequest from Mr Christopher Eric Burton, a much-needed development to the Village Hall has been planned, which will enhance and improve the facilities at the hall, for the benefit of the community.

Villagers’ views were canvased as to potential developments. These ideas were shared with the community at an Open Evening on 21st April 2017. There was an opportunity to view the plans and gain an understanding of the challenges that lie ahead.

The intention is to extend the main hall in order to provide an additional meeting room that can be divided off by a ‘moveable wall’. Access will be provided to the toilets, without having to go through the main hall as at present. In addition, the storage area within the building will be improved and expanded. The increase in building size has necessitated additional parking.