2010 January 16th / 17th

2011 November 29th Tuesday: The Windows on the Front of the Main Hall have just been 'Measured-up' to have New 'Vertical Blinds' fitted. The 'Blinds' will only be fitted to the Front Windows at the moment (due to lack of available Funds). The remaining windows (in the Main Hall) will have to wait until either funds build-up, or we get someone to sponsor the remaining costs involved (to pay for the rest of the window blinds to be done). These new Blinds were paid for by income generated via 'Lettings'. They should have cost over £1,000.00 (there is a lot of window area to cover) but as usual, we managed to get a fantastic deal on these Blinds (over 50% discount). They should be fitted before Christmas and will enhance the appearance even more.

2011 November 25th Friday: We have placed an order to buy a new set of Front Entrance Doors. These new secure doors should be fitted before Christmas and will be the final stage of our Timken Window & Door Replacement Project and complete this significant project to a successful conclusion.

2011 November 21st Monday: Work started today on our 'Dropped Kerb' installation - directly outside Hilton Hall frontage - which means we have an official 'Drive-on Parking Area' for Hall Staff and future Blue Badge Parking. This is being done as part of the Highways Department Pavement Improvement Works Programme' and is being funded by the Highways Department (heavily supported and campaigned by our Lib. Dem. Ward Councillor Malcolm Gwinnett. Many Thanks to all involved in making this happen.

2011 November 18th Friday: Our Hilton Hall 'Alcohol Free Zone' campaign went before the Wolverhampton City Council 'Petitions Committee' today and has received support from Councillors and members of the Petitions Committee and is being considered as part a 'Whole City' campaign (which is under review & consultation) where the City Council are hoping to launch a City Wide Campaign for all Community Open Spaces. This will take approximately 9 months to a Year to bring into effect and the Petitions Committee suggested that people still report incidents of Anti-Social Behaviour Drink related incidents - these reports will strengthen the application case and show continued community support for such a Ban on widespread drinking in community spaces.

2011 November 1st Tuesday: Work continued on both the Main Hall Roof & the Rear Balcony - Sealing off 'Areas' that were prone to water leaks. The same material was used as last year on other damaged areas of the main hall roof. We applied a layer of Thermoplastic Fibre Resin based Roofing Paint to seal off areas of the roof & balcony that have started to leak. The good news is; this resin-fibre thermoplastic seal is guaranteed to last 20 years.

2011 October 27th Thursday: The "Say Hello to a Hedgehog" event went well, with many people visiting Hilton Hall. The event was organised by Martin Harrison from the Black Country Living Landscape Project and delivered by Joan (from West Midlands Hedgehog Rescue) and Hedgehog.

2011 October 10th Monday: Keith Jones (HHCA Director & Chairman) was elected as Chairperson to the Lanesfield Tenants & Residents Association at the LTRA Annual General Meeting. This strengthens the Links between Hilton Hall & the Lanesfield Community further and will benefit both organisations.

2011 October 5th, Wednesday: We were honoured with a visit by the President of the Timken Foundation of Canton, USA - Mr Jack Timken and his wife Joy Timken, accompanied by Martyn Jones (Manager Organisational Advancement Timken UK Ltd.) The visit enabled our USA Sponsors to see - first hand - the excellent work carried-out with regards our Hilton Hall New Window & Door Replacement Project.

2011 October 1st Saturday: The Final Coat of Acrylic Render has been applied to the Rear Lower Ground Floor Insulated Walls - as part of the Phenolic Render & KingSpan Insulation project. The rendering part of this job was done by Sean, Jim & Taffy and sponsored by Paul Little & Partners of Coen Ltd. The finished walls look really good and the insulation properties of this system will make a huge difference to the thermal efficiency of the Hall. The next stage is to install the drainage system and DDA Access Platforms & Ramps for the three entrance doors and appropriate hand-rails.

2011 September 12th Monday: At today's LTRA Meeting Councillor Richard Whitehouse presented the Meeting with a 'ALCOHOL FREE ZONE' Petition aimed at the Hilton Hall Community Centre and Playing Fields Area. Councillor Whitehouse left a Petition Form at Hilton Hall for those who are in favour of this campaign and who wish to sign it. This petition will provided evidence of local support before the Authorities will consider taking action.

Similar 'No Alcohol' schemes have proved very successful in other Parks & Open Green Spaces in and around Wolverhampton (and in surrounding Local Authorities bordering on Wolverhampton) which has reduced the amount of Anti-Social Behaviour and Drink related Nuisance. This campaign needs your support & signatures before such a 'Restriction' will be considered as 'Enforceable' by the local Police.

2011 September 12th Monday: On behalf of HHCA & Lanesfield Tenants & Residents Association I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who attended the LTRA Monthly Meeting held on Monday 12th September 2011, "Thank You"! With special thanks to Ann Guest MBE - Chairperson of Wolverhampton Federation of Tenants Associations for coming along, with her co-committee members and work colleagues to present a Plaque in honour of the memory of Gladys Pearson for all of the years spent as a Volunteer and Chair of the LTRA, working hard for the benefit of local Tenants & Residents.

Special Thanks to Beryl Weaver (LTRA Secretary) and Betty Jones (LTRA Treasurer) for preparing all the Refreshments and Buffet at the end of the meeting and our gratitude to Councillor Malcolm Gwinnett who paid for all of the Food. And a final - Thank You - to Sandra Wright (Vice-Chair) & Craig Gutteridge (our local Neighbourhood Warden) for help with the washing-up and clearing away after everyone had gone.

2011 September 2nd Friday: Fantastic News. . . Our Upper Floor / Main Hall New Double-Glazed Windows have now been fully fitted and finished-off nicely. The final Window was installed today and the only remaining work to do now (as part of the Timken Foundation Window & Door Replacement Project) is for the Front / Main Entrance Doors to be ordered, supplied & fitted. This will then complete the 'Timken Project' both on time and (almost) on budget.

The Upper Floor Windows (& Lower Ground Floor Windows and Doors already installed) 'Look Great' and will help reduce our Carbon Footprint even further. Everyone so far, who has visited Hilton Hall as part of the local Community Group activities have commented positively and said how much they love the new look windows and cannot praise enough our Contractors for their hard work and flexible approach, which has enabled most of the normal classes to continue - in between repairs and replacement work. During ALL of this work on the windows & doors we only had to cancel four activities on three consecutive days - the rest of the work being carried out in-between our normal opening times.

2011 August 15th Monday: The second phase of work has started on our Timken Foundation Window & Door Replacement Project has commenced. It is expected that this work will continue until September and is expected to be completed no later that October 2011. This is Great News and we look forward to enjoying the benefits of Warm, Draught-free Double Glazed Windows and New Security Doors on ALL of our Outer Entrances.

2011 July 29th, Friday: Fun-based 'Schools Holiday event being held at Hilton Hall Community Centre, funded by Local Police. This event is aimed at school children from 7 years of age upwards. Activities on offer are: Face Painting, Balloon Modelling, Nail Art, Henna & Airbrush Tattoos, plus Wii & XBox Games. Free entry 12Noon till 4pm

2011 July 27th: Wednesday; Following a visit to Hilton Hall by the District Manager for Parks & Green Spaces & the Sustainable Travel Manager for the City Council, HHCA have negotiated some Landscaping work linked to the Hilton Hall Community Open Green Space / Playing Fields and the Taylor Road Open Space Access point (which is adjacent to our Open Space. The outcome is a collaborative project - improving 'Access' - for the benefit of all. HHCA are supplying Fencing & Gate & the two City Council Departments are providing the Labour & other materials to carry out the work.

2011 July 14th: Thursday; Keith Jones (HHCA Chairman) has been nominated by Councillor Richard Whitehouse to Carry The Flame for the 2012 London Olympics. Keith said "This is a great honour and a once in a life time opportunity to represent our community by being one of the Olympic Torch Bearers. It was a real shock to receive the email from Lloyds TSB - the Official Sponsors of the 'Carry The Flame' project confirming my name had been put forward. The next stage is the selection process that takes place sometime in September / October of this year and I will let you all know if I manage to be lucky enough to be selected to 'Carry The Olympic Flame'.

2011 June 30th: Thursday; The Directors & Volunteers from HHCA paid their respects to Gladys Pearson and her family by attending the Funeral Service held at Lanesfield Methodist Church.

2011 June 21st: It is with great sadness to have to inform everyone in our Community of the Passing of Gladys Pearson. Our condolences, thoughts and prayers go to her husband Norman, and their Family & Friends at this difficult time.

Gladys was the Chairperson, Voice and Driving Force behind Lanesfield Tenants & Residents Association. She and her Team of Volunteers worked tirelessly for the past 18 years representing the Community of Lanesfield and worked hard for the benefit of the Whole of the Local Community. Her passing will be a great loss to us ALL.

Gladys supported us right from the start of our incorporation and 'Championed' our cause by 'Lobbying' on our behalf and by introducing us to many of her contacts via Wolverhampton Homes, who then led us to many of our Sponsors. From Debbie, Heather, Dee & myself; "You will be fondly remembered, God Bless You Gladys".

2011 June 20th: The First Stage of our Timken Foundation Window project has now been successfully completed, with the Lower Ground Floor Windows being installed. Work on the Upper Floor . Main Hall Windows will commence in approximately 4 weeks from now.

2011 June 13th: We finally received confirmation from the City Council that we have been granted our Public Entertainment Licence for Hilton Hall Community Centre.

2011 June 6th: Work has started on our Timken Foundation Window & Door replacement project, with the old rotten & damaged windows being removed and replaced with new energy saving double-glazed windows (stage 1 - lower ground floor).

2011 June 2nd: Following a successful 4 Week pilot 'Walking for Health' project, we have now started a Regular 'Walk For Health' programme of Walks. Starting today on Thursday 2nd June and will run every First & Third Thursday in each Month.

2011 May 16th: Work starts on the Thermal Insulation Project today (1st Stage being the Lower Ground Floor level).

2011 April 7th (Thursday): A very successful HHCA 'Walking For Health' Walk took place today and was well supported with 26 people joining us on our First Walk of 2011. Walk Leaders - Andrew Tomlinson & Martin Peake (who took the photographs) was supported by Keith Jones, Debbie Cox & Heather Manser (Trained Natural England Walk Leaders & representing HHCA). Further Walks planned on April 21st, May 5th & 19th. all starting from Hilton Hall at 10am. ALL Welcome - Come Join us. It is a relatively easy walk (approximately 1.5 miles - 45 minute walk). Refreshments & Drinks provided Free at the end of the Walk. Future Walks planned every First & Third Thursday in the Month commencing June 2nd (10am meeting at Hilton Hall).

2011 April 1st (Friday) MORE FANTASTIC NEWS . . . We have just received email notification from The Timken Foundation of Canton (USA) that our bid for Grant-Aid Funding for our Window replacement programme has been SUCCESSFUL. Many Thanks to Martyn Jones (Wolverhampton) Manager for Organisational Advancement - UK - Timken UK Ltd, and to Nancy Knudsen from The Timken Foundation of Canton (USA) for all of their help & encouragement with our Successful Bid. This bid represents funding to the value of $44,200 USD (£26,424 GBP as per Bank exchange rate 10th June 2011).

2011 March 25th (Friday): The Ni-Co Partnership Team commenced work on preparing the way for the 'Building Insulation Project & Repairs to the Lower Floor Areas', starting with the removal of the original panelling, followed by planned repairs to the Concrete Columns (as per the Schedule of Works - Year Two Work).

2011 March 23rd (Wednesday): We had a visit by the Managing Directors of J. Coen Ltd who will be supplying materials & Labour with regards the Thermal Insulation (using Kingspan Insulation materials) & Coen Development work (see below). Design work & details Plans provided by Idea Partnership.

2011 March 17th (Thursday): FANTASTIC NEWS . . . HALL TO BE THERMALLY INSULATED . . . Following several meetings we received notification from Peter Jones of Integrated Design & Engineering Associates Ltd (Idea Partnership) & Henry Woodlock representing several Business Partners informed us of a successful Corporate Sponsorship Bid to Thermally Insulate the whole of the Hall (starting with the lower ground floor). When this development work is completed the 'Thermal Efficiency' of the building will be improved to that of a New Build (thermal conductivity of 0.020 - 0.022 W/m K). This will dramatically reduce our Carbon Footprint and will reduce our Heating Bills due to the improved energy-saving benefits of this work.

2011 February 22nd (Tuesday): OurFirst Springvale & Lanesfield Ward Councillors Surgery by our Local Liberal Democrat Representative Councillor Malcolm Gwinnett at Hilton Hall - 5pm until 6pm.

2011 February 21st (Monday): 'Come and Build a Nest Box' project run by Martin Harrison from the Black Country Living Landscape Team. This FREE event was organised to coincide with 'National Nest Box Week' at Hilton Hall - 10am until 12 noon. Participants to 'Make a Bird Box' to take home, and get the opportunity to learn what Birds are in this Local Area.

2011 February 18th (Friday): Birmingham & Black Country Wild Life Focus Group Meeting relating to Black Country Living Landscape Community engagement programmes held at Hilton Hall (9:30am till 12:30pm). Several other Community Groups met to discuss & evaluate the work done over the whole of Wolverhampton area via Martin Harrison of Birmingham & Black Country Wildlife Trust's projects.

2011 February 18th (Friday): Our Bid for Grant-Aid Funding from Timken USA Ltd was acknowledged as "Received" and all we can do now is keep our Fingers Crossed for a positive outcome (The Timken Foundation Trust Panel Meet in March to decide the outcome). This Funding will pay for the replacement of our dilapidated Windows with Brand New Double Glazed Windows & Doors that will reduce our Carbon Footprint and increase the Security factor to our building.

This marks the start of 'Year Two Work Schedule: 1). The whole of the building needs New Windows & Doors. The window frames & glazing to be completely removed and replaced with modern solar-efficient double glazing window system. 2).The Main Hall Roof is in need of a permanent repair due to old age & recent frost damage to the existing roof covering material. 3). The support pillars (concrete cladding) need to be repaired due to Spalling caused by fire damage & frost. 4). The old entrance doors (both upper-level & lower-level) are in need of replacement due to old age & damage. These need to be replaced with modern security doors & metal frames. 5). To finish off the out-side areas of the building. The final job on this years list is to repair / replace Cladding & Insulation Panels to the front & rear Walls of the building (the area immediately below the new double-glazed windows) which will improve thermal insulation of the walls & finish off the 'Look & Appearance' of Hilton Hall. The estimated cost for this Year Two Work is just over £56,000.00 and at present we are actively sourcing funding via grant aid applications and company sponsorship, as well as the Directors input both financially & in kind.

2011 February 9th (Wednesday): We have received two Security Lights & Security Cameras (worth £200.00) funded by the Wolverhampton TASKFORCE Group (which is made up of various organisations; i.e. Local Policing Team, LNP, Wolverhampton Homes & Others). This community funding was made possible by Craig & Kym (our Springvale & Lanesfield Neighbourhood Wardens) who put forward the proposal & chased up the funding to pay for this valuable and most useful piece of security equipment. Many Thanks Craig & Kym & the Task Force Funding Team.

2011 February 7th (Monday): Zumba Madness . . . New Zumba Fitness class proves major success at Hilton Hall. People were queuing-up to get in and the popularity of this exciting Latin-based dance-exercise phenomena means that if you are interested in participating in this fun-filled activity you will need to Pre-Book. Please contact Suzanne on 07540 822 941 to avoid disappointment.

2011 January 5th: Our first day back of the New Year following the Christmas Holidays (and also following all of the disruption caused by the Snow that visited us over the Christmas period). The first group to use the Hall in 2011 will be the Senior Citizens Bingo Club (12pm till 4pm) followed in the evening by the Rainbow Pantomime Theatre Group (7:30pm till 9:30pm). Happy New Year to everyone for 2011. On a slightly negative & depressing note: the Severe Weather conditions over the Christmas Closure period caused us more emergency remedial work on the Main Hall Roof again. We had to carry-out another 'Patch Repair' due to frost damage to the roofing Felt. This Summer we need to effect a more permanent repair in readiness for next Winter.

2010 November 26th (Friday) 2nd Meeting with Timken UK Ltd Manager to discuss funding application via Parent USA Company - Timken USA Ltd - to fund our Replacement Window campaign via the Timken Foundation Trust Fund.

2010 November 13th (Saturday) at 2pm The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Malcolm Gwinnett Officially Opened Hilton Hall of Lanesfield following its Two Year closure. The Mayor opened up the Hall with a ribbon cutting ceremony and the unveiling of a brass plaque to commemorate the re-opening of Hilton Hall. The official opening was well attended by local residents, volunteers and sponsors, as well as by the various community groups who will benefit from the re-opening of Hilton Hall Community Centre. As you can see from the images above the weather was brilliant and the day proved to be an exciting and memorable event which was photographed by Emma Jones and by Sarah Garner from Gore & Ball Ltd. The Express & Star also sent a photographer to record the official 'Ribbon-cutting Ceremony'. This means of course that we have many excellent pictures of the day's proceedings.

2010 November 4th: Hilton Hall has now been officially inspected and 'Signed off' by the City Council with regards the First Phase of Repair and Refurbishment work as listed in our Five Year Plan (our Schedule of Work Programme) and we are pleased to announce that on Saturday 13th November 2010 The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Wolverhampton (Councillor Malcolm Gwinnett) will be Officially Opening Hilton Hall of Lanesfield at 2pm.

2010 October 22nd: Great News . . . All of the major jobs & work in the Main Hall, Kitchen, Entrance Lobby & New Toilets have now been successfully completed and apart from the inevitable last minutes painting jobs and 'tidy-up' to the Upper Floor Level, we are once more ready to open. The Hall awaits the Final Inspection & 'Once-Over' by the City Council Property Management Team and Hilton Hall of Lanesfield can be officially opened to the Public. The latest job was the installation of the DDA Toilet Emergency Alarm system.

We are still very much on 'Target' with our original 'Schedule of Work' programme and have already started work on the Lower Floor Level work. Our 'Year Two / Priority Two Schedule of Works' now starts in earnest.

2010 October 18th: Local resident; Karen and her brother Ray (who is one of our ex-Judo players) came to our rescue and fitted our new Kitchen Floor. Karen paid for the Adhesive and Ray did the fitting. Many Thanks to our latest volunteers and supporters. Only a couple of things needed now for us to be able to open-up again (the Main Hall that is!). Just one more major job to do (which hopefully will be completed this week) and then the inevitable 'Clean-Up' and final touches of paint here & there, and we should be ready to open.

BUT. . . this does not mean everything is done - just the Upper Floor Areas of the Main Hall. The remaining work will continue over the next three and a half years to complete the whole of our 'Schedule of Work' project - to get the whole site open again, including the Lower Ground Floor Areas, such as the Changing Rooms & Showers, Offices & Store Rooms, etc.

2010 October 12th: We are only a couple of jobs away now from Re-Opening. However, we still need Loads of Help and Funds from everyone, but at least when we re-open and start Hiring out the Main Hall once more, we will be able to generate the necessary income stream that will allow us to be self-sufficient with regards running costs and utility charges. It looks like it will be November 2010 when we finally get to Open officially.

2010 October 3rd: It is exactly Two Years to the Day that Hilton Hall was Closed to the Public. On Friday the 3rd October 2008 several Community Groups (together with the Wolverhampton Liberal Democrat Councillors Mike Heap & Richard Whitehouse) met at the Hall at 9am to find out the Fate of the Hall. At 9:30am we received the phone call from the City Council Representative informing us that we needed to vacate the premises immediately as it was to be boarded-up and closed-off for Public use. Hilton Hall's Fate lay in the balance, and this is when we started our campaign in earnest - to secure a Lease on Hilton Hall - and to stop any further action by the Local Authority to demolish Hilton Hall. Work commenced on Thursday, 4th June 2009 (which is when we obtained our Lease) and work has continued relentlessly until now. We are literally only 'Weeks' away from Opening the Upper Floor / Main Hall section once more for the benefit of the local residents & groups of Lanesfield.

2010 October 1st: We feel that despite the setbacks and constant challenges, we are now approaching the 'Home-Run'. Our new Toilet facilities are very close to completion (just a lick-of-paint & clean-up needed). The toilet doors, toilet furniture and fittings have been installed. The upstairs section of the Hall has been completely re-wired. The Floor has been sanded, stained and polished. Our Brand New Central Heating System is fully functional just in time for the coming Winter months, and, it appears that our emergency Roof repair has worked (tested by three heavy rain storms over this past week).

The remaining jobs needed before we will be able to re-open is 1) Re-Tile the Kitchen Floor. 2) Section Off the Downstairs Areas of the Hall (restricting access to the general public whilst the work continues downstairs in the changing rooms, showers and storerooms). 3) Fit the DDA Emergency Light & Alarm system. 4) A final repaint / touch-up and Mega Clean-up and Polish EVERYWHERE!

2010 September 24th: Following the incredible & prolonged Thunder-Storm that occurred on Thursday night - we opened-up to yet another Flood. It appears that the roof above the new DDA Toilets had somehow been damaged (we've got a good idea how this happened, however . . ) and the result was 'Water-Water-Everywhere'. Yet another climb-up the Ladder onto the Main Hall Roof to carry out a Patch Repair. I'm pleased to say that our original Roof Repair (carried out last January) was not to blame for the new leak and is still in excellent condition. This is yet another example of our daily challenges and our commitment & determination to get Hilton Hall up and running - albeit quite often - two steps forward and one step backwards.

2010 September 23rd: The Main Hall Floor is looking good now it has now been Waxed & Polished thanks to John, Bob & Mel from the Wolverhampton Civic Halls. Two other jobs underway are; 1) a bit more Landscaping (at the front of the Hilton Hall) which includes a New Look Rockery (to the left of the building) where we intend to have another Community Planting Day when appropriate. 2) Work has started on partitioning off the Downstairs section - in the Main Entrance Lobby - which will allow us to restrict access to the General Public to the Lower Floor, where our schedule of work will continue over the next couple of years, whilst at the same time allow the upper floor to section of Hilton Hall to function once more as a Community Facility.

2010 September 17th: Our New Central Heating system was installed by Peter Kelly and Team from EnviraHeat Ltd who worked hard all day to get our new Central Heating Boiler & Radiators fitted, ready for our expected re-opening in a couple of weeks time. Many Thanks to Peter and his Team for coming to rescue with regards our new Central Heating systems.

2010 September 15th: Contact made with the Manager of Organisational Advancement - UK at Timken UK Ltd, a Wolverhampton based company (Head Office in USA) with regards to Corporate Sponsorship.

2010 September 15th: We received delivery of our New Central Heating Boiler today- Care of Worcester Bosch via Wolverhampton Homes - who negotiated the sponsorship deal on our behalf. The Radiators, fixtures and fittings were supplied care of Travis Perkins Group, Dodd Group and the Frank Haslam Milan Group.

2010 September 10th: I am pleased to announce that we have finally 'Sanded the Main Hall Hardwood Floor' with the generosity of High Arcal High School & Science College (via their 'School in the Communities Project) who agreed to pay for the hire of specialist Sanding equipment needed to re-surface the Main Hall Floor, in readiness for Polishing and Buffing back to its former glory.

We have also purchased a pair of brand new Toilet Doors (funded by the Lanesfield Senior Citizens Tea Dance & Bingo Club) and two brand-new Automatic Hand Dryers (for our new upstairs toilets) have been kindly donated by MasterTrade Supplies Ltd. of Tipton.

2010 August 24th: we now HAVE A Team of at least ten "Hilton Hall Volunteers" working every Monday to Thursday from 9:30am until 3:30pm. We have been able to carry-out so much more this past Month, with so many jobs being done as we approach our target of opening in late September / early October 2010 and . . . we are eagerly awaiting our new central heating system installation . . . Soooon!

2010 August 12th: The New DDA Toilets have been installed and await plumbing in, and finally after quite a wait . . . our new central heating system has now arrived and fitting / installation is scheduled for the beginning of September. Plus, the upstairs electrics have now been completed.

2010 August 6th: Hilton Hall Management Team have teamed up with Wolverhampton's Groundwork West Midlands - as part of the National Government Employment Initiative - for the long-term unemployed '18 to 25 year olds' to provide them with a work placement to work as Volunteers in the Community (Community Task Force), giving them the opportunity to gain valuable experience in the workplace and also get them back into a routine and learn new skills that may help their future job prospects. We have agreed to take on 12 of these young candidates in the hope that both them and Hilton Hall will gain mutual benefit.

2010 July 29th: The Floor Tiles in the new DDA Toilets have now been laid and the area is now ready for the toilets furniture to be installed and the plumbing & pipe work to begin (check-out the photographs above).

2001 July 26th: With the help our local Fire Safety Officer (West Midlands Fire Service) we carried out a Fire Safety Order Audit at Hilton Hall where we completed a Fire Risk Assessment and identified the type and range of Fire Safety Equipment that we require before opening the Hall once more to the public. We were also provided with help and guidance concerning fire safety, policies and procedures and found the Audit a most useful and positive step forward for us here at Hilton Hall.

2010 July 25th: Fitter for Walking Leader Training: several members of the Hilton Hall Volunteer Project & members of the Management Team attended a training day organised by the Wolverhampton Health Authority & Primary Care Trust on behalf of 'Natural England' (promoting Health & Wellbeing through Walking). All of Our Team gained the national certificate and accreditation as Qualified Walk Leaders. This will enable the HHCA Team to organise and run their own Fitter for Walking events from the Hilton Hall site.

2001 July 15th: Following on from the Wildflower Planters & Green Wood Workshop; the 'Wildflower Planting Workshop' was well supported and proved a great success with 39 young children from Lanesfield Junior School who helped plant the wild meadow flowers. Expert advice & guidance on planting procedures and practice was provided by Martin Harrison from Black Country Living Landscape (part of the Wildlife Trust for Birmingham & the Black Country). The school children planted Fox and Cubs, Feverfew, Fleabane, Ragged Robin and Knapweed. And the adult volunteers planted the Foxgloves (because these plants are poisonous). Funding for this came from Living Streets Charity via Hema Kasi-Patel who is the Regional Co-ordinator for the Fitter for Walking Project - West Midlands.

2010 July 2nd to 14th: Jordan's of Lanesfield helped fit the new Fire Exit Steel Doorway and Systems 2000 Door Fitters came down and helped our Hilton Hall Volunteers put in the new Emergency Escape / Fire Exit Doors in.

2010 July 1st: A very successful 'Wildflower Planters & Green Wood Workshop' was held at Hilton Hall Community Centre (from 10am until 5pm). The workshop was run by Craig Wood (and his Team; Tom, Nicky & Jenny) from The Wildlife Trust for Birmingham & the Black Country (attended & supported by Martin Harrison - Black Country Living Landscapes and Hema Kasi-Patel from Living Landscapes - Fitter for Walking project for the West Midlands, who funded the whole project). Under the supervision and guidance of Craig; members of the Hilton Hall Volunteers Project Team helped with some of the days activities. The workshop was attended by local people and a group of school children (from Lanesfield Primary School) supported by our local Neighbourhood Wardens and a member of the Local Neighbourhood Partnership, who where shown how to make a series of Wildflower Planters from natural materials. The end result being three marvellous and most robust Oak Green Wood Planters taking up permanent residence in front of Hilton Hall.

2010 June 20th: Work has started on the New Fire Exit Doors & Steel Security Door Frame.

2010 June 9th: Negotiations are still going on with the Managers at Wolverhampton Homes who are trying to obtain sponsorship from a major national company to provide us with a Free Central Heating Boiler. So 'fingers-crossed' we should be finding out the outcome of these talks within the next week or so. We are still very positive about the possibility of getting a Boiler (and installation) soon, and will keep you all informed - so watch this space!

2010 June 3rd: Alongside the work that we are doing internally at the Hall, we are organising and launching our 'Hilton Hall Open Spaces Community Project' which is being funded and supported by the National Charity 'Living Streets' through their West Midlands Regional Co-ordinator; Hema Kasi-Patel. Martin Harrison (Community Involvement Programme Liaison Officer) is working in partnership with Hema & ourselves to produce a 'Wildflower Meadow Rockery Garden' & a series of 'Planters' placed at the front of Hilton Hall. The intention is to invite Volunteers from local Schools and the Community to get involved and help us with the planting and maintenance work. Living Landscapes have also agreed to fund and supply a couple of Park Benches for the benefit of our Community. We are still using the services of our Hilton Hall Volunteers whenever and where ever we can. We are in negotiations with the Managers at Wolverhampton Homes who are trying to obtain sponsorship from a major national company to provide us with our Central Heating Boiler. So 'fingers-crossed' and all of that, however, the mood is still very positive with regards to us getting our Boiler installed soon.

2010 May 29th: Our New Emergency Exit Platform and Stairs have now been completed and are awaiting painting' & delivery (by Mid-June). These have been designed and manufactured by LuxTrade Ltd, who have kindly sponsored us by donating this vital piece of equipment to us. Another local company - Jordan's Ltd - based at the Lanesfield Industrial Estate have agreed to paint the platform, stairs & railings for us, prior to said items being installed.

2010 May: All through the Month of May the Team have been working hard behind the scenes organising, co-ordinating and carrying out work at Hilton Hall, as well as writing 'Grant Bids' to secure funding for various projects at the Hall. New Toilet furniture has now been purchased and is ready for installation following the successful completion of the 'Tiling & Grouting'. New energy saving electrical equipment / lighting has been donated and fitted by a local qualified electrical company.

We have also received Sponsorship from the National Charity 'Living Streets' (via their Regional Development Officer; Hema Kasi-Patel), in the form of equipment that we will help us to maintain the outside areas, and will be used to engage with local schools and the community in Landscaping & Planting projects that we have planned. In this matter, we are also being helped by Martin Harrison from Black Country Landscapes (who has 'sourced' meadow plants & seeds that are indigenous to this area) with a programme of landscaping / design & planting.

2010 April 7th: The race is on to organise, co-ordinate and complete the Four Main Jobs now needed to allow the top-half of Hilton Hall to be opened up for Community Use once more. Latest Jobs being 'Sources' at present are: New Central Heating Boiler/Hot Water system. New Toilet Facilities (upstairs). New Emergency Exit Door & Fire Escape Platform & Stairs; and finally to finish-off all of the tidying, last minute painting, fixtures and fittings and sort out stuff like Fire Extinguishers and any other H&S issues & items needed.

2010 April 2nd. Good Friday: Work was carried out by 9 members of our Hilton Hall Volunteer Project who managed to get a great deal of work done in the Main Hall & Toilets / Upstairs Areas. The damaged plasterwork (on the Main Hall Stage) was repaired, panelled / boarded up and painted. Low-level windows were removed, 'Panelled-Up' and painted, as were the Walls.

2010 March 19th: Senior Divisional Director & Regeneration Manager & PR Staff from Thomas Vale Construction Ltd attended the Hilton Hall Community Centre Site, accompanied by the Director of Wolverhampton Homes, met up with the three HHCA Directors for a 'Photo Opportunity' following completion of 'Our New Kitchen'.

2010 March 4th: The Kitchen, Entrance Lobby and New upstairs Toilets 'Electrics' have been connected so we now have 'Lights & Power' once more (at least upstairs, that is!). This was done by a local electrical company based in Lanesfield. Their details (should you need any electrical work doing) will be posted on our 'Sponsors & Volunteers' page soon.

2010 February 28th: Office Ceiling Plaster-boarded today and work commenced on the Landscaping (with help from the Community Payback Project and our Hilton Hall Volunteer Project team).

2010 February 23rd: Work commenced on painting the awkward out-side areas of the Hall today. Starting with the Facia Boards & Soffits. This job required specialist Scaffolding and the supervised workforce. Work was carried out by members of our Hilton Hall Volunteer Project and by the Wolverhampton Community Payback Team. And, finally, we have now erected our NEW SIGN which can be seen from the main Birmingham New Road (the A4123 which is several hundred yards away).

2010 February 16th: The Office ceiling has now been fully Insulated with Silver-Foil 'Space Blankets' filled with 150mm of Fibre Glass Insulation material, and is now awaiting Plaster-boarding and finishing-off (see our progress via the Photographs Link). The Front Entrance Lobby and upper-floor 'New' Toilet Rooms & Store Room has been painted and is almost ready for the Final-Fix repairs.

2010 January 24th: A more permanent repair was made to the Main Hall Roof by applying a Thermoplastic Fibre Resin based Roofing Paint to the damaged area of the Roof. The Team of five WYJC Volunteers also carried on the work inside the Hall after finishing on the Roof, painting & fixin' other stuff.

2010 January 16th / 17th: The severe weather conditions that we have all endured over the last three weeks has taken its toll on the Main Hall Roof. The Roof-Felting (where to Felt-Joints Overlap) had been Frost-Damaged and Lifted by the extreme Sub-Zero temperatures. The result of this frost damage was discovered when we opened up on Saturday morning (16th Jan.) and found the Roof had leaked Gallons of Snow-melt and the recent Heavy Rains into the Hall. . . All over our newly plastered walls, ceilings and floors. The ingress of water was considerable and even found its way into the Boiler Room (which has always remained Dry). Our response was to Re-Bitumen the damaged Roofing Felt Joints as soon as it stopped raining. We managed to do this on Sunday 17th which fortunately for us was a Dry / Sunny (albeit a Cold Day). The Three Directors (Debbie, Heather & Keith) worked until 4pm carrying out this Temporary Patch-Repair and hopefully - this will suffice until we can effect a more permanent repair. (Go to our Photographs Page and click-onto the Main Hall Roof Link to see our temporary repair, or visit our Flickr-Photo-site).

2010 January 10th: Kitchen update: Needed to Complete; one new Electric Cooker, Extractor Hood, Microwave & Fridge. The Boiler Room has been completely stripped-out of all the old fixtures & fittings and is now ready for new Central Heating Boilers & pipe work to go in (Sponsors Needed Please). The Office Floor is quite close to completion and has been fitted-out with 100% recycled materials (see our progress on the Photographs page or visit our Flickr Photo site).

2009 December 14th: Kitchen almost completed - with new kitchen units & ancillary electrical fittings, lights & sockets, and painted. Next Job. . . Finding a suitable Sponsor who is willing to donate the funds or materials to fit-out and finish our DDA Toilets following the plastering work recently carried out. Also, in December, LuxTrade Ltd - a local fabrication & engineering firm (see 'Other Web-Links) offered to build us a dedicated Fire Escape Platform & Stairs, and New Railings for the Front Entrance Ramp.

2009 October: We entered into negotiations with several local Companies / Building Contractors asking their help with regards carrying out repairs to the Hall and contacted Wolverhampton Homes to see if & how they could help us with our project.

2009 September 10th: 'Hilton Hall Volunteer Project' . . . as part a new funding bid, we received a cheque from the Wolverhampton Network Consortium (WNC) as part of the Grass Roots Grants Programme 2008/2009 to the value of £2,204.82 (with another £700 coming available nearer completion of the project). This will pay for much needed equipment and repairs, but will also enable the Volunteers who are helping us at the Hall to gain valuable experience working alongside and under the guidance and supervision of an experienced engineers / builders. All of this was made possible due to the help and encouragement of Claire Peake who is the Community Engagement Officer for WNC. Following a recent Newspaper article asking for Volunteers to help us with the next stage of our project, we were contacted by several local people who have now joined our team of Volunteer Helpers.

2009 August: The Three remaining Directors continued working every day at the Hall all through the Month of August. We also received notification that we had been successful with our Grass Roots Grant application.

2009 July: After a great deal of involvement in the initial negotiations and setting up of HHCA, Richard Lord (Manager of the Wolverhampton Warlords Rugby League Football Club) resigned as a Director of HHCA but expressed his wish to remain as Member of the Association representing the interests of Wolverhampton Warlords Rugby League Football Club. In July our website went off-Line due to a data-base problem. The administrator for the web site (Richard Lord) suggested we re-apply for the Domain name & Hosting when it became available for renewal in October 2009. In late July we put in an application for a 'Grass Roots Grant' funding from the Wolverhampton Network Consortium.