What a great day we had yesterday at Halesworth Rising!

The nine charities involved had all set up their impressive displays by 9.30. Several had plans on show and a couple had video virtual tours of their proposed developments. Many were also taking comments and feedback on their proposals from members of the public. The cafe area looked lovely, with spring flowers on the tables and free refreshments from the Rifle Hall's new servery. Even the Hall's creaky old heating was working well! So, all was ready, but would people come?

We have to say that we were delighted by the attendance. There was a steady stream of people throughout the day. 350 had been counted in by our 'clicker' volunteers by the time we closed. And it was not just the numbers that were impressive. People stayed and really engaged with the project teams. Everywhere you looked there were vigorous discussions going on, people completing comments forms and questionnaires or virtually touring. Many of the projects made new contacts and received further offers of help.

So, Thank You Halesworth. It was a real demonstration of our interest in, and commitment to the future of our community. I don't think the visitors can fail to have been impressed. Two press reporters and a photographer turned up at different times during the day. Therese Coffey MP and Colin Law (Leader of Waveney District Council) both came and spent time talking to each of the project teams. Our own District and County Councillors were very much on hand to hear people's views and help serving the refreshments! Thank you also to Waveney Business Forum and the East Suffolk Partnership for supporting the event financially.

So, is that it? Well, probably not. Many people were calling for there to be some ongoing activity under the 'Halesworth Rising' banner - to co-ordinate and present a united face to the outside world. And the participating groups are due to meet on 14th April to consider if and how we go forward. So, watch this space ..............................

New website for the Rifle Hall

The Trustees are pleased to announce the launch of the new Rifle Hall website today. Simon Weeks said "We hope that the people of Halesworth and surrounding parishes will find the new site informative and useful. It includes a calendar showing what's on and when the Hall is available for hire. It also has contact information for booking requests, for our monthly Table Top sales and for getting in touch with the Trustees, as well as pages devoted to our plans for improving the Hall."

www.theriflehallhalesworth.onesuffolk.net

G.A,P.P.A. joining HalesworthRising

Plans for improved children's play area in Halesworth Town Park

Hot off the press!

Trustees of The Rifle Hall were delighted to hear today that they have been awarded a grant of £8,000 from the Suffolk Empowering Communities Fund.
This is to help with the cost of professional services that will be needed in developing bids to completely renovate the hall

Mark Bee , Leader Suffolk County Council, and Peter Aldous have confirmed attendance.

At the Rifle Hall, Halesworth.  Community Projects Fair March 21st 10am -4pm. Free refreshments.

Halesworth Community Nursing Care Fund ISC Project

One of the projects which will be showcased at our community projects fair is the campaign to raise £714,000 to build an Information and Support Centre (ISC) for people with life-limiting illnesses in north east Suffolk and south Norfolk. The innovative centre will provide a wide range of valuable services for people who have been diagnosed with a variety of life-limiting illnesses, as well as their families, friends and carers.

Halesworth Community Nursing Care Fund (HCNCF) is leading the project. Please drop in on 21 March or visit

www.halesworthhealth.org/information-and-support-centre for more information.

A swimming pool for Halesworth?

Halesworth Campus Ltd. is running a big sports/activity demand survey at the moment. It is vital that we get a good response, as the results will be used to support funding bids. The results of this survey could make the difference between being able to afford a swimming pool at The Campus or not being able to. If there is anybody out there who has not yet completed the sports survey, we would be very grateful if they could complete it online via our website - www.halesworthcampus.org

An artist's impression of proposed developments at The Cut

Thanks to Essential Suffolk...

Thanks to Essential Suffolk, Lifestyle Magazine, for retweeting us - 1977 Followers.

Halesworth Risers! please retweet and share your twitter accounts.

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@EssentialSFK 

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Introducing the projects...

St Mary's Regeneration Project. Here's an early architect's impression looking from the nave altar to the north wall. Our thinking may have moved on slightly, but this gives an idea of the flexible space that could be created. Meeting rooms screened in the side aisles.

Plans coming together

Another good meeting on Tuesday evening.
Simon Raven (Cut) offering boards for displays on the day.
Free refreshments to be offered at the Community Projects Fair.
Thanks to Waveney Business Forum for their support.

Press Release for Community Projects Fair

 

 

 

Great presentation at the Cut last eve...

Great presentation at the Cut last eve. We heard about the 4th stage of their development, to develop their flat roof area creating a community 'hub' for Halesworth. This would replace their flat roof with a pitched slate roof - as it was originally. It would be a beautiful space, with spectacular views over Halesworth. Could be hired for meetings/receptions etc. Wish them well in their plans.

New Cut Arts

Good to hear that the Cut is on board too. I've heard they will be giving a presentation on Tuesday 20th Jan at the Cut, for people interested in their plans. Presentation will start at 6.15 prompt.

Pleased to hear that the East Anglian Daily Times will be covering the event.

Great to hear that Therese Coffey has confirmed she's coming on the day, and Colin Law.

Also that the Beccles & Bungay Journal will be covering the event.

Setting out...

The idea for the Halesworth Rising event was triggered by the Rifle Hall Trust and St Mary's church having discussions on the potential of each group "treading on the toes" of each other in terms of applications for funding and resources.

The founding groups organising the event are St Mary's Regeneration, Halesworth Volunteer Centre, Halesworth Health, The Rifle Hall Trust, Halesworth Community Nursing Care Fund, Halesworth Campus Ltd and The Halesworth Dementia Carers' Fund.

The purpose of the event is awareness-raising; explaining the differences between projects and what each one is doing and an opportunity for people to comment on what they see and hear.

Name: Halesworth Rising - Community Projects Fair
Date: 21st March 2015
Venue: The Rifle Hall, Halesworth
Times open to the public: 10am-4pm.

The target audience includes residents of Halesworth and surrounding parishes, representatives from local authorities, MPs, the media and representatives from regional/national charities etc.

Other organisations may be invited to join the event. A rule of thumb is that the event is to showcase developments, rather than all the voluntary/charitable activity in the town.

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