Horley charity celebrates big step forward in local landmark revamp (From Redhill And Reigate Life)

Horley charity celebrates big step forward in local landmark revamp

12:50pm Tuesday 4th September 2012 in News

A Horley charity is celebrating taking another big step forward in the revamp of a local landmark.

Work has been completed on the second phase of the refurbishment of Strawson Hall in Albert Road.

The Strawson Community Hall has been a key feature of Horley community provision for more than 80 years, but its ageing structure was in dire need of refurbishment.

The hall, which has stood at the Brighton Road end of Albert Road since the mid-1920s, is a registered charity.

It is home to a number of local groups including Horley Community Preschool, Horley Camera Club, Horley History Society and Spiritualist Church.

Alcoholics Anonymous, the Townswoman’s Guild and Horley Allsorts also meet there, and in addition, the building is used by local residents for their own functions.

Now, after being in need of a complete overhaul for many years, the second phase of the hall revamp has been finished, giving users improved storage space and, more importantly, new toilets which now include facilities for people with disabilities.

The work was carried out during August by D & R Carpentry of Horley.

Doug Kilborn, chairman of the hall’s trustees, said: “The members of the many community groups which use the hall have been working towards this for a number of years, and with a grant from Biffa Award, which was granted this year, work has now been possible.”

Mr Kilborn said: “Now that stage two has been completed, the hall committee are in a position to complete the re-roofing of the hall, by which time, the only part of the building which will be the original will be the three gable frames which support the roof.”

Last year, with the hall's volunteer management committee at the helm, and drawing on funding help from local bodies and user groups, the initial targets for Phase One of the revamp project were achieved, and the building was given an external re-cladding, new windows and doors.

The hall also had a kitchen refit, internal re-cladding and insulation, and a new heating system installed.

The work went ahead with the help of Gatwick Airport Community Fund, Surrey County Council, Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, the Surrey Community Grants Scheme, and the Cyril Edmonds Trust, together with funds raised by the user groups of the hall.

Any local residents who are aware of possible funding sources, can contact the hall committee on 01293 782629, or by email to: strawsonhall@blueyonder.co.uk