WYHTALL WORKS
These notes often seem to concentrate on past events rather than what is going to happen. Included in the last issue of "Omnibus" was a short note saying that our Heritage Lottery Fund bid had been deferred to June. Our plans have been presented and discussed at AGMs but relatively little has appeared in "Omnibus" about them. Essentially, if we are successful in getting funding, a large new hall will be built adjoining the Scania Hall and including the land currently occupied by the prefab. Access for vehicles to the Scania Hall will be provided by removing the end section of the café building (the part currently used for storage). One thing we have learned about HLF's requirements is that 'quality' is important and the new hall will include a level of presentation not previously seen at Wythall. New toilets are also included in the scheme as our existing ones did not meet with approval. As indicated above, the scheme will see the removal of the eyesore prefab building and, in order to provide a new access road, the demise of the railway carriages. Although our application was submitted in January, occasional questions from HLF have needed to be dealt with, taking up quite a bit of time. Hopefully, by the time you read this we will know the outcome.
Some things included in the HLF bid we want to do anyhow, are able to fund up front, and are indeed necessary preliminary work to enable the main development to take place. The construction of the 'Blueline' stores building behind the Shire Hall is one of these projects. Transfer of the contents of the prefab stores is now nearing completion, which will allow that site to be cleared in the coming months. Removing the railway carriages also gives a storage problem as over the years these have been used for a variety of things. Not wanting to revert to past bad habits where archive material and other items were stored all over the site, including in exhibits, the Trustees decided to implement an idea that has long been around and construct a mezzanine floor above the workshop area. The contractors who will build it have now submitted plans for approval and construction is expected early July. As the area below has to be clear for construction, a major effort will be required to temporarily move things. It does give the opportunity to thoroughly clean the area and revise the layout of the engineering area.
The need to put effort in to transferring spares from prefab to Blueline means much of the other activity on site has been routine. With the open season upon us the regular servicing of the grounds, preparing the site, moving buses for displays and washing vehicles took up many volunteers time. New wire soap dishes appeared in the Gents toilet, preventing the perennial problem of the bar of soap falling in to the sink, but it took some time to discover who had put them there - thanks Mick Green. Dennis Herbert has, as always, done a marvellous job in keeping the grass under control and other EMES members are responsible for the various gate posts turning from rusty red to white, via a bright yellow in some cases! EMES members have also undertaken a massive track re-sleepering project over the winter, which was finished in time for the Easter re-opening.
The parking bay lines on the car park were re-done prior to Easter. The surface of this is giving concern with parts breaking up. The worst hole has been patched but others remain to be done. With the prospect of heavy contractors vehicles needing access, no major work is to be done on the car park surface at present.
Phil Ireland
Chapel Lane, Wythall, Worcs B47 6JX
Tel : 01564 826471 e-mail us
A registered educational charity no 507191
