NEW CHURCH HALL

Financial Position

Funding Activities

The performance of 'The Man From Galilee' on 8^th April was very well attended and much enjoyed by everyone. Thanks go to Mortimer Primary School, Joan Taylor and Elaine Middleton for their efforts. A total of £441 was raised.

A Saturday Luncheon was arranged on 13^th May and was so successful we ran out of soup! Thanks to Dawn ( and ladies ) for organising this event. £145 was raised.

Following the performance of 'The Man From Galilee' one of the perfomers, Liam Mattimore, was so taken by the idea of raising money for our new Hall that he is going to raise money on our behalf in the Junior Coastal Run.

Liam's enthusiasm and commitment should give us all encouragement.

External Funding

• Margaret Stephenson has now almost completed the Business Plan.
• I have made direct contact with the local representatives for the main 3 funders likely to have large amounts of money for the new Hall.
• Northern Rock Foundation will only give grants up to £80,000 for capital projects and because of a recent bad experience will not give to Churches
• Coalfields Regeneration Fund, is already totally committed to existing applications for the next 2 years.
• Our final opportunity is the Big Lottery. They have confirmed that our project could fit their new ' Village Halls ' fund that is due to be rolled out this year. More news later.

Other News

Following David Milliband's first visit to the Church in December he again visited on 13 ^th April and gave the ' Raise The Roof ' campaign a further boost by appearing in another Gazette feature.

Finally, we received fantastic news from Tim Fife, that the Customs and Excise have agreed they will give the Church a VAT exxmption for the construction costs of the new Hall. This will save approx. £55,000. Again, many thanks to Claire for her help in this matter.

Ian Taylor