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It has been all change within the MFPT since the beginning of the year which has unfortunately meant that we haven't managed to update you all as we would have liked. During this time three key issues have arisen which we must all take on board:

Major funding is almost impossible to get for part of a building. In order to raise significant funds to restore Massey's Folly it is therefore imperative that the building be brought under one ownership.

The Architectural Heritage Fund, who are offering a loan, do not make these available to Village Halls. Therefore the loan that they are offering us to purchase the other half of the building will be the responsibility of the MFPT alone .

The loan will not be on the shoulders of the Farringdon Village Hall Committee and the vital repairs to the part of the building until recently used by the village will be taken on by the MFPT.

To bring you up to date we give below:

· A brief history of the Trust
· The aims and objectives of the Trust
· Where we are now?
· Conservation Plan
· Next steps

The MFPT History

Between 2000 to 2005 there were discussions amongst several individuals about the use and preservation of the Folly. The general consensus was focused on increasing the volume of activities and hence the income of the Folly.

Since 2006, as more people came on board, and more research was completed, it became apparent that the fabric of the building was in such a dilapidated condition that the priority would have to be the restoration of the building. This significant task would require grants and funding from organisations such as the Lottery.

In order for the Folly to be eligible for this funding it needed to gain charitable status. In February 2006 the Massey's Folly Preservation Trust was born and has now been listed as a charity, resulting in the Building being saved and protected for the community. The Trust is also listed at Company's House as a Private Limited Company.

Since then the Folly featured in the BBC's restoration programme and has been awarded a number of other grants.

In March 2007 three of the Trustees of the MFPT and the Company Secretary resigned. The new Chairman is Gillian McCallum and the new Trustees are Michael Starbuck and Chrys Brown. The Company Secretary is Keith Burgess.

MFPT Aims and Objectives

The aim of the MFPT is to preserve the building thereby avoiding a compulsory purchase (which due to its dilapidated condition and Grade II listing is a real danger) and to retain and enhance its use as a community facility.

The initial objectives of the MFPT are:-

· The purchase of the other half of the building
· The restoration of the fabric of the interior and exterior of the building
· The development of a sustainable plan for the use of the building to include community support and income generation.

The planned use of the building is 'work in progress', some of which will form part of the Conservation Plan being developed for the Folly. The village as a whole are an integral part of the generation of ideas to be evaluated for their viability.

Where are we now?

· Funding has been made available to the MFPT from organisations such as the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Architectural Heritage Fund.
· A loan is available for the purchase of the other half of the Folly.
· A dedicated professional project worker is being recruited whose salary will be paid for by the funding bodies.
· Money has also been given for the development of a Conservation plan

Conservation Plan

The conservation management plan is commissioned by the MFPT. Tenders have been sought from three professional independent architects with previous experience of conserving heritage buildings. The plan will include the following:-

· A survey of the current state of the fabric of the building
· Suggestions of uses for the building that will provide a sustainable income
· Suggestions of uses that will benefit and support the needs of local community groups such as the young and the elderly
· A 10 year maintenance plan

This is an opportunity for anyone to have their opinions taken into consideration. Therefore, if you have an opinion on the use(s) of the Folly and are willing to talk to the potential consultants, please submit your details to Gillian McCallum who will forward them to the relevant parties.

This is your chance to be involved and have a part in the decisions being taken.

Next steps

· The MFPT AGM will be held on 19th July 2007
· A new Treasurer will be elected
· Additional Trustees will be voted in
· Members will be formally signed up

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.

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