Charity appeal goes on despite restoration £100k being reached - The Evesham Observer

Charity appeal goes on despite restoration £100k being reached

Evesham Editorial 18th Feb, 2018   0

TRUSTEES of Holland House, the independent charity which operates the retreat house in Cropthorne have succeeded in meeting its initial minimum target of £100,000 for its anniversary appeal and have largely completed the restoration of the chapel which was one of the main objects of its appeal.

However in the light of additional works to the original historic house which have continued to be identified since the appeal was launched the Trustees are keeping it open and raising the minimum target to £125,000 to ensure the fabric of the house can be protected for future generations.

Support for the appeal has come from a wide range of sources. The Friends of Holland House have made a significant contribution as have a range of local and national trusts. There has also been a generous response from individuals and local churches together with grants from Wychavon District Council and the Listed Places of Worship Scheme.

Anthony Glossop, lead trustee for the appeal and the refurbishment works, said “The trustees are extremely grateful for the generous support the appeal has received and hope that this will continue.




“The chapel has quite simply been transformed. It is now a warm, welcoming, light and airy space retaining and enhancing the best features of the original design. It will serve the users of the house well for many years to come and has already attracted numerous compliments from those who have seen it.”

Work on the chapel has taken place in three phases: In December 2016, the roof was insulated and underlined and a new energy efficient lighting scheme installed. This was funded by donations from the Friends and the Severn Waste Environmental Fund.


In July, the original single glazed soft wood framed west window, which was in a poor state of repair was replaced with a double glazed aluminium window cleverly designed by Monarch Home Improvements to replicate faithfully the principal features of its predecessor. It was funded by an earlier appeal in memory of Peter Middlemiss, a former warden of the house, gifts from individuals and donations from the D G Allbright, R & D Turner and Saintbury Trusts.

The third and final phase, now largely complete, has seen repairs to a roof valley gutter, replacement of the rainwater goods, replacement of the four single glazed side windows with three double glazed aluminium framed windows and a matching disabled access door, lining and insulating the walls and a comprehensive redecoration.

This was funded by further gifts from churches as well as individuals, many of whom gave in memory of the Rev Canon David Rodgers, chairman of the Friends for more than ten years, who did so much to support the anniversary appeal, but tragically died before he could see the successful outcome of his efforts, continued support from the Friends and further donations from charities including The Misses Barrie, the CB & HH Taylor, the Bernard Piggott, All Churches and W A Cadbury and Edward Cadbury Trusts.

Anthony said: “During 2017 many people have continued to visit Holland House to find a place for quiet reflection, enjoy the top quality home-cooked food or simply stroll around the gardens. It was a wonderful effort by the staff to organise another highly successful year of activities whilst the refurbishment was taking place.”

Call Holland House on 01386 860330 for further information about the appeal or to donate by credit or debit card or send a cheque or CAF voucher made payable to Holland House c/o Tarn Heeks, Holland House, Main Street, Cropthorne, Worcestershire WR10 3NB

Announcements

Weddings, Birthdays, Bereavements, Thank you notices, Marriages and more.

Online Editions

Catch up on your local news by reading our e-editions on the Evesham Observer.

Advertising

Advertise with the Evesham Observer to reach your audience

Subscribe

Receive a weekly update to your inbox by signing up to our weekly newsletter.