May 2009

Building Work Starts at Last

At least the foyer will be level	Bob the Builder and his Mates
Tarmac three feet down - why is this here?	That's a relief - toilet drainage

August 2005

Plea from the Development Committee - forming a fundraising group

As you all know, due to the redevelopment of the theatre, we need to do a lot of serious fundraising, now and in the future. This will go alongside any grants we may secure, as we need to show we can contribute on an equal basis. The Amenities committee have been approached, but they are unable to take on any more as they are all busy with other theatre tasks - which we fully accept.

We therefore need to create a separate 'fundraising group', with a chairperson who has the time, ideas and enthusiasm to dedicate to this cause. This group may well appeal to some of our new members, as it would be a great way to get involved and to meet other members. If you can help, let Jim Wareing know.

The group will be formally constituted at the AGM.

Fundraising in action:

We are very lucky to have Sylvia Arlett on the development committee. She is a professional fundraiser. She has lots of ideas, which she will pass on.

Sylvia is running an abseiling event in Plymouth on 25th September. She has kindly donated two places to club members who would like to take up this exciting challenge (all monies from sponsorship of our two volunteers will go to the development fund). The task is to abseil down the side of the Civic Centre (approx. 200 ft high).

Simon Roach and Mark Blaber have agreed to do it - is there anyone else willing to act as a reserve? Names, again, to Jim W. We are hoping to make this a social event, and run a mini bus or coach down to Plymouth (perhaps have a picnic on the Hoe?).

This could be quite an event.

PLEASE SUPPORT IT

Details, sponsorship forms and such will go up on the notice board and, of course, here on the website.

July 2005

We do now have building regulations approval for the work set out on the plans displayed in the foyer. A separate development fund account is being set up to "ring fence" the money raised by our appeals, and stands currently at approximately £12,000.

The likely cost of the whole shooting match is £200,000 plus - perhaps £250,000 - so we have a long way to go.

Commendably, some members have sought approval to go ahead on areas of the work which can be handled in house, but no approval has yet been given. There are a number of issues to be taken into account. Some areas cannot be sensibly isolated from others, expenditure on one area may lead to a shortage of available funds to tackle another, insurance cover for members needs to be clarified - and so on. It is, therefore, essential that the Development sub-committee (through Simon Roach) keep close control on all activity.

It is encouraging that this enthusiasm manifests itself, but I believe we would all agree that the wider picture needs to be looked at.

Regular reports of progress will be published in the newsletter (and here on the web - Web Master)

April 2005

Thanks to the Development sub-committee for the following:

With immediate effect no work to the building costing more than £50 is to go ahead without consultation with the development committee. Obviously, we do not wish to spend money which will be wasted if current plans go through as we hope.

We are awaiting building regs approval. This will let us go to the next stage - seeking grant aid/funding. But...we do not regard building regs approval as the last word on what we should do with the Inside of the building. There are other ideas going around, stimulated by the plans now on display in the corridor outside the Green Room. If any member wishes to suggest alternatives, they should contact either Fin O'Leary (on 272659), or Ruth Tompkins (on 279041).

We would also welcome members with relevant skills: i.e. experience of fund raising, construction skills - or simply enthusiasm.

We are also researching the possibility of the theatre becoming a charity, and if any member has something to offer in that regard, they will be welcomed with open arms.

1. The main entrance and foyer with the new toilet block, lift and stairs, leading to the first floor passageway to the auditorium and new lighting box.
2. Alterations to the dressing room and existing toilets
3. Scenery, wardrobe and changing store
4. Rehearsal room (described on plans as Function Room), bar & beer store
5. Stage and auditorium (although there will be a cross-over of works between phases 1 & 5 with The lift opening into the auditorium)

A working party gathered at the theatre on Sunday 14th November and broke the back of clearing Garage No. 5. The job was finished two weeks later, when that same group also cleared much of the redundant furniture from Garage No 1.Many thanks to Mark Blaber and to our President, Bernard Hughes, for providing suitable transport for all the stuff we got rid of. It took three loaded trailers!

David Cooper, the tenant, has started the process of moving his stuff from 6 to 5, and as soon as we have confirmation that this process is complete, we shall set Don Fensom loose with his power tools to form the fire door opening at the foot of the rear stairs.

The development committee have supplied a list of the tasks involved, and reported on the achievements to date. Solid progress has been made, but the following (very important) steps are yet to be cleared:

1. receive building regulations approval
2. prepare tender documents for use by possible contractors c) obtain tenders (three or more)
3. liaise with advisors on best way of approaching possible funders - and which ones!
4. prepare funding applications
5. handle any queries which result
6. decide on building programme

It is likely that we shall not be in a position to proceed with the whole scheme from day one, and work will have to be prioritised. The Management Committee have decided to concentrate on stage one: provision of disabled facilities. This will involve (believe it or not) three fire zones, making it necessary to provide additional internal walls to satisfy the fire authorities that our choice of lift is viable. (Incidentally, if any member wishes to have a preview of the lift concerned, a visit to Darts Farm will be appropriate. The lift from the restaurant level to the gift shop is one of that range).