2011 December 17th Saturday: Our New Vertical Blinds have now been fitted (today) and they look GREAT!  I think this will be the last job this year (I HOPE!) and we look forward to the next round of 'Phase Three / Year Three' work to continue after the New Year festivities.  With each Month that goes by, we do a little more - & a little more, and each month Hilton Hall is getting better and better.  Everyone who comes along for the activities can see the transformation and always provide such positive feedback - without exception - everyone admits how nice and welcoming Hilton Hall is NOW!

2011 December 14th, Tuesday: New Lower Facia Boards / Insulation Panels (below our New Timken Windows) have now been fitted to the Front of the Hall (see the latest images on the photographs page above).  our Thanks goes to Pete & Dean from Lamsdale Glazing Ltd for doing an excellent job and working all day in the freezing wind to complete this part of the refurbishment project. 

2011 December 12th Monday: HHCA hosted the Lanesfield Tenants & Residents Meeting which was the last meeting of 2011.  The Meeting was attended by 28 Tenants & Residents, including representatives from Wolverhampton Homes, Local Policing Team, LNP Neighbourhood Wardens, Local Ward Councillors and the HHCA Management Team. You are Invited to attend the Next LTRA Meeting to be held on Monday, January 9th 2012 commencing at 2pm.  You & Your Friends & Neighbours are most Welcome to come along to this event and express your views on Issues most important to YOU!

2011 December 6th Tuesday: Fantastic News. . .  The final stage of our Timken Window & Door Replacement Project has now been completed.  The old dilapidated Front Doors were removed to make way for our brand-new Metal Security Doors to be installed in their place.  Go to the 'photographs' page to see the work being carried-out by Systems 2000 Group Ltd Engineers.  These new metal framed Security Doors are fitted with 11.5mm Anti-Bandit Laminated Glass panels (top & bottom) and each door frame has the latest multi-point locking system (including a Digital Keypad Access Lock).  The end result is both aesthetic and efficient in terms of security and ease of use.

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

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 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.

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 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 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.