The new extension to Caryford Community Hall was formally opened on Saturday 20 July at 2.30pm by one of the Hall’s founder trustees, Mrs Lee Mosley, in the presence of local residents, councillors, and grant providers. Construction started in October 2023 and was completed on time and within budget on 13 May this year.
After the opening ceremony, groups which currently run activities in the Hall were present to give information on what they do and several will run demonstrations.
The extension provides the residents of Castle Cary and Ansford with a new large meeting room (eg seating up to 60) and a small meeting room for up to 12, together with additional storage space and new ladies’ toilet accommodation. Both meeting rooms are fully equipped with audio visual equipment.
The improvements have cost just over £600k and most funds required have been raised by the Hall’s volunteer trustees from a wide range of sources: the National Lottery Community Fund, Castle Cary Town Council and Ansford Parish Council, Somerset Council, central government through Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) and a number of national and local grant giving charities. The town and parish councils’ grants are financed by central government loans and will be repaid by local council tax payers. Local fundraising at events held during the past three years have also made a significant contribution.
The new extension was designed by Orme Architects of Baltonsborough and the contractor was Building Craftsmen (Yeovil) Ltd. Quantity surveying advice was provided by Slade Parry Limited, of Yeovil, which was also contract administrator.
Ian Bynoe Chair of the Hall’s Trustees said today: “Let’s celebrate this investment in the Castle Cary and Ansford community and the expanded and improved facilities which local people can now use. Making the Hall building larger and more versatile means it is now fit for the present and long term demands of a growing town.
We thank our grant providers, large and small, and everyone who has supported us during the long planning and fund raising process”.
