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Massey's Folly Preservation Trust - Newsletter December 2007

During November the focus of our work has been the interviewing and appointment of architects who will carry out a Conservation Management Plan of Massey's Folly.
The funding for this work is stipulated in the grants already received by the charity.

Interviews and presentations took place on 22nd November at Penns Place (facilities and hospitality courtesy of EHDC). It was a difficult decision to make as all the practices were excellent. A preferred company was chosen and at our last MFPT meeting the decision was ratified as Radley House, a Winchester based company. A sub group of trustees are meeting with their staff before Christmas to finalise the contract. An important part of this contract will be to consult with everyone in the village and surrounding areas. As Trustees we believe this is a real priority, and will be working closely with Radley House to ensure the consultation process runs effectively.

Their work will be completed by next summer 2008, and their findings will give everyone a clear picture of possible ways in which the building could be developed, the cost and the viability of progressing the project. If a decision is made to progress the plan then as MFPT charity we would be able to submit a bid to apply for funding.

At our last Trustee meeting on December 12th all of the above was fully discussed. Geoff Cumbers spoke about the letter he had received from HLF (Heritage Lottery Fund), confirming our planning grant has been extended to February 2008. He has recently attended a fund raising course with a range of ideas that he and other trustees will pursue in the new year.

John Pickering provided an excellent financial spread sheet which lead to discussions regarding how we could work to unlock allocated funding that has become 'frozen'.

Chrys Browne spoke about the newly formed Steering Group that met for the first time on 26th November. This group has been established to ensure that all parties are actively involved and have a collective responsibility as detailed in the terms of reference. Members from the Village Hall Management Committee, EHDC, MFPT, Farringdon Parish Council and other interested parties were invited to the first meeting. Once the minutes and terms of reference have been agreed they will be published on our village web site.

Chrys Browne
(Trustee of MFPT)

The MFPT is keen that anyone who has an interest in the Folly or who would like to be involved to get in contact. There are a variety of ways to be involved - from being a Trustee to providing ideas for the future uses of the building. If you would like to know more please contact Gillian McCallum by email Gillian.mccallum@virgin.net or by phone (587-423).

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