HLF PROJECT PROGRESS
Following the announcement of our HLF award, the PR side kicked into action quickly, resulting in quite a bit of publicity. However, before we can start properly a number of formalities need to be completed.
The Trustees are now in possession of the formal contract and are working on the paperwork that the Heritage Lottery Fund requires to formally start the project. HLF appoints a Monitor to oversee the project on HLF's behalf and Michael Diamond will be fulfilling this role with the firm Bruton Knowles providing monitoring on the construction side. Approval had been received to continue to employ Mike Oakenfull, who did the interpretative design in our application, on the interpretation side of the project. There is a complication to be resolved over the employment of the existing architects. Work is already in hand to deal with the special condition attached to our grant in connection with education strategy.
Recognising that the timescale was already tight for construction during the 2005/6 winter, the schedule has been revised. Instead of the building work taking place over the winter months, the Museum will now open as usual between the Easter and Spring bank holidays, then construction will begin in June 2006. The implications for the second half of the 2006 season will be determined once the contractors have been appointed and their requirements are known.
Some of the work associated with this project will be done by our own members. Timesheets for volunteer work connected with the HLF project will now be kept on the hooks in the engineering area and members are asked to record when they do HLF related activities. There are opportunities for members to become involved in the management of the project; anyone who believes they might usefully contribute should contact the Trustees.
Andrew Gardener & Phil Ireland
Chapel Lane, Wythall, Worcs B47 6JX
Tel : 01564 826471 e-mail us
A registered educational charity no 507191
