Harmston Matters
Your monthly HMH update……
Issue 24: May 2015
You win some, you lose some!
The bad news first – as we told you last time we were waiting for the outcome of our bid for funding from Biffa Award for the Operation Heart & Soul project – well, unfortunately we were unsuccessful in obtaining any this time. We were informed that the Board felt there was merit in the scheme but was not a priority for the very limited funding available. Of course, this is very disappointing news for us as it means we will not be able to deliver all the refurbishment the Hall currently needs. However, the good news is that we do have sufficient funding, from LCC/NKDC and with what we have raised ourselves, to carry out a considerable level of refurbishment to priority areas. This will include an extension to the bar storage area to make it a safer environment; to replace the deteriorating bar structure; replace the remaining ‘old’ radiators to maximise efficiency of the newly installed boiler; replace collapsing rear and side boundary fencing; provide a concrete pathway to make a safer exit from the kitchen emergency door plus removal and refurbishment of the corner banquette seating area to maximise the viewing area across the hall (as requested by several users). Other requirements will be prioritised and will have to be met through further fundraising or other applications for grant funding in due course.
We are aiming to start the work in early June with a completion date in August, just in time to celebrate with another HarmFest, beer and music festival, which was so successful last year. Activities at the Hall will continue during the work but this will be reviewed and revised as necessary. Many thanks for your support towards making this happen so that we can maintain and improve this valuable village asset for us all to use and enjoy for many years to come.
Gill Macadam-Smith
Project Manager
The Big Breakfast was bigger than ever!
Sunday 24th May saw our biggest turn-out to date at HMH for our Big Breakfast – around 140 breakfasts were consumed and our committee, and helpers, worked themselves ragged cooking, serving, clearing, washing-up…. not forgetting dashing to Budgens for emergency supplies! After costs we raised in excess of £400 - an egg-cellent sum indeed!
This was our first Big Breakfast since last year’s building of the new kitchen and it really came into its own. Plenty of space for everyone to work (as you can see in the pic) - what a godsend!
Our thanks go again to Paul ‘The Egg Man’ who very generously donated all the eggs and to all those who helped on the day – a ‘cracking’ good event all round
Jam-Jar-June
Don’t forget, it’s Jam Jar June! Harmston Memorial Hall’s annual coin-collection. If you can spare any coins that you have in your pockets at the end of each day simply pop them in a Jam Jar, (or similar container!) during the month of June. You can call or email us to collect your jar (Gill 721954 or ) or bring it along to the Hall at Happy Hour on Friday 3rd July!
Elaine Bielby has asked us to advertise the following:
Music with Mummy at Harmston Memorial Hall - Mondays 10.00 - 11.00 am.
Take your child on a musical journey with our lively, family friendly fun classes full of singing, movement and percussion. For more information contact Elaine Bielby on 07717 758485 or email or take a look at
Forthcoming Events Round-up:
HHH – Harmston Happy Hour – Friday 5th June – 5pm-8pm
Come and start the weekend over a drink with friends…..
HARMSTON OPEN GARDENS 2015 - Saturday 13th & Sunday 14thJune - 1pm to 5pm
Visit 9 gardens of varying size, see fish and wildlife ponds, woodland gardens, exotic plants and gardens with wonderful views. Finish the day with tea and cakes at our newly refurbished Memorial Hall, and perhaps take home something from our plant stall.
Children must be accompanied by an Adult - £2.50 each Adult, accompanied children free.
Programmes at Harmston Memorial Hall, the Thorold Arms & in all Open Gardens.
In aid of Harmston All Saints Church and Harmston Memorial Hall.
EVERYBODY WELCOME!
HHH – Friday 3rd July 5pm-8pm
‘Harmston Fete’ – Sunday 5th July 2pm onwards….
Currently in the planning stage this is a jointly organised event between Harmston Memorial Hall, the Church and the Parish Council. It is intended to be a family oriented day with a ‘summer fete’ feel. The idea will be to use the playing field for an afternoon of family fun, games and entertainment, BBQ and Bar, and ‘bring your own gazebo and picnic’…. Keep an eye out for next month’s Graffoe Link, and posters around the village, where we’ll fill you in on the details! Any suggestions / enquiries to:
‘Harmfest’ Sunday 30th August – 3pm-11pm Live music and beer festival! Enjoy the bank holiday weekend with friends – licensed bar – BBQ
Harmston Produce Show – Saturday 5th September
Editor’s Note
It was great to be part of the Big Breakfast last weekend – HMH really does have a fantastic team behind it and I’m proud to say I’m part of that team. Moving into the summer we have plenty on offer so make sure you don’t miss joining in the festivities and get those dates on your calendars!
Jo Oldham
Editor
Harmston Matters
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