01.09.2008 - Callister Hall Renovation
Callister Hall Renovation
In May 2008, Callister Hall was awarded funding from Biffaward and from Green Leeds Ltd for improvements and renovation work to make the hall a better and safer venue for the many members of our community who use the hall. Additional funding and support was provided by Moores Furnishings of Boston Spa and by Bardsey & East Keswick PCC. The renovation project, which is described below, was completed in August 2008.
The BIFFAWARD grant of £4,524 covered the installation of fire and smoke detection and alarm systems, and the provision of Emergency Lighting throughout the building. This latter facility is especially relevant to Bardsey because of the frequency of power supply interruptions in this area and meets the concerns of users of the hall expressed at the consultation stage. For those who are not aware, Biffaward is a multi-million pound environment fund, managed by the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts (RSWT) which utilises landfill tax credits donated by Biffa Waste Services.
The GREEN LEEDS LTD grant of £4,573 covered the exterior renovation and improvement at the north end of the building to ensure continuing availability for use by the community. This involved replacing the double external doors and frames, replacing the leaking flat roof and incorporating additional ‘pyramid’ roof lights to improve natural lighting. Green Leeds Ltd was established in 1997 for the purpose of receiving and administering landfill tax credits within the Leeds metropolitan district, and offers grants for environmental projects for groups within the vicinity of landfill sites. Callister Hall, which was built in 1726 as Bardsey Village School and converted in 1951 for use as a parish and community hall, qualifies for this grant under the category of “restoration of a building which is a place for religious worship, or of historical and architectural interest, open to the public”
INTERIOR RESTRUCTURING
In addition to the two improvement projects funded by the above grant awarding bodies, the Parochial Church Council provided funding for a range of internal improvements to the hall, notably rearranging the internal walls at the north end, to provide a meeting room capable of seating up to 10, and a toilet at ground floor level, with access for the disabled. More readily accessible storage has also been provided for the large tables and the card tables.
KITCHEN RENOVATION
With the generous help of Moores Furnishings Group of Boston Spa who kindly donated worktops, cupboards, sink and drawer units, the kitchen has been fully renovated to a standard that will meet current Health and Safety legislation.
HIRING ARRANGEMENTS
The hall is available for hire by village clubs / societies on a regular or occasional basis and also for private functions. For details of prices and availability, please contact Pauline Tatman on 01937 574236.
