Work started on the barn conversion at Keeper’s Cottage on October 29th. The conversion will house a classroom and workshop for the residents and tenants to participate in Creative Learning and Leisure activities, such as woodwork; it will also provide a permanent office base for the charity’s administration and finance team, and for Tony Lafford, manager of Keeper’s Cottage. The build programme is expected to take approximately 20 weeks, and it should be ready for occupation in April 2008.

The total cost will be £200,000 and the Charity is grateful for a number of significant donations from various individuals, organisations and charities. We also received financial support from the Redundant Buildings Grant Scheme of Herefordshire Council, and the Charity Bank.

The barn was finished on time and on budget and will be up and running for Creative Learning and Leisure activities by September when we hope to have an official opening, and to thank the various funders, supporters, etc. The offices give the charity a professional resource for the 21st Century. Staff moved in from the cramped portakabin in early May, and everything is working well. We are in the process of appointing a manager to develop Creative Learning and Leisure, offering more activities and employment opportunities, etc.

We are still looking for funding to support our operating and transport costs, and to finance the development of the first floor of the barn to give us extra capacity to run even more activities for more people!