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THE MARDEN HOUSE CENTRE
New Road, Calne, Wiltshire SN11 0JJ
Registered Charity No. 293514
Bookings: 01249 814724, General Enquiries: 01249 821455
March 2010
Spring Newsletter 2010
Update on Our Lease Situation
As most of you know, the situation regarding renewal of our lease was causing us considerable concern last year. The position now is that, following the expiry of the lease on 31 December 2009, the new unitary Wiltshire Council is perfectly content for us to continue to manage Marden House just as we have been doing, while they make up their minds what to do. We understand from Toby Sturgis, Wiltshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Property, who came to visit on 21 January, that they are not likely to have formulated a strategy before July, and that they will be in touch with us again when they have assessed various buildings including Marden House and decided on the options to be discussed. So we are currently in calmer waters, and are sailing ahead just as you might expect.
Green Room Smartened Up
Following delivery a few weeks ago of our six new lockable cupboards for the Green Room (bought with a grant from GrassRoots), we have tidied up, invited others to put their belongings away securely, and are now in a position to offer secure storage for a modest charge to future hirers who may wish to use it. Our liberated Green Room has become a source of pride rather than of embarrassment.
Toilets Smartened Up
Our programme of upgrade continues. The very unsightly damp patch in the Gent’s Toilets, and the lesser patch in the Ladies’, have now been treated and repaired, and the exterior problems that allowed the ingress of water resolved. The laying of new flooring in both toilets is due to be completed today.
Continuing to Raise Our Profile
Perhaps you have seen our two notice-boards displayed in the windows of the Main Hall. Inspired by the Calne in Bloom initiative, we are planning additional floral displays this year. We shall again be organising a Concert of Songs from the Shows with a delicious Supper in the interval and a cash bar. This was a really fun evening last year, so please book the date in your diary now: Friday, 28 May – tickets will be available in due course from Bank House.
New President
Best news last! Following my decision towards the end of November last year to stand down from the role of President on 9 March after more than three years in post, I am very pleased indeed to announce that your next President is to be Ken Oxley. Ken and his wife Gail live just off The Green, and his professional experience has included project management, running his own bar/restaurant in Brittany, and personal counselling; Ken can be reached on 01249 821455 or via kendoxley@btinternet.com.
As always, we would welcome one or two more people to join us at Marden House, so if you or anyone you know might have time to spare for the community by serving on our Management Committee, please do get in touch.
Jane Rowell
President, The Marden House Centre