After a recent survey of the church buildings, it was discovered that the Vestry was in need of some TLC. Thanks to months of hard work by a fantastic group of local volunteers, we are bursting with pride to say that we’ve been able to transform a tired and somewhat dilapidated space into a community gym for the town.
The programme of work included the removal of external Portland cement render, repointing of the stonework, internal rendering with lime plaster, rewiring, installation of new guttering and rainwater goods, insulation of the loft and installation of a new floor.
Following the completion of the building work our team then got stuck in installing the gym equipment.
We would like to extend our warm thanks to build lead, Alan Cranleigh. As well as to our tireless team of grafters, Rev. Leigh Winsbury, Dominic Greenwood, Paul Sanders, Francisco Fonseca, Alan and Jamie Durrant, Ashley Wood, Peter Morgan and Ian Badrock. Flooring works were undertaken by Matt Winsbury, electrics by Simon Smith, with local decoration duo, Lisa and Andy Gilbert coming in to paint the inside and apply finishing touches.
None of this would have been possible without generous financial input from our wonderful Moor Management Committee, Hatherleigh Rotary Club and the team at Richard Tidball Insurance Services.
We would also like to extend our gratitude to RGB for gifting us materials to complete the project. The Vestry building has stood empty since 2017, when Hatherleigh Silver Band had to secure new premises to practise in following an electrical inspection which found the electrics to be unsafe. We could not be more excited for its future, to be able to say that we have diversified an historic part of the church estate to provide a space for Hatherleigh residents to improve their physical health and mental wellbeing will be hugely rewarding. To see so many talented tradespeople give up their time and skills for this cause has also been truly wonderful to witness.
If you’re interested in using the vestry gym, it will be up and running in early October, and monthly membership is just £10 per month (or £5 per month with concession). The gym will be open 7 days a week from 7:00am to 10:00pm, with key code access.
New members will need to take part in a 1 hour induction session to make sure you can safely get the best use out of the equipment.
For new membership enquiries please contact Leigh Winsbury on:
📞 01837 810680
✉️ lwinsbury@googlemail.com