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The Latchen Room is well used by the local community and there are plans to extend and revamp it. The planned extension will increase the capacity to 150 and will include a meeting/education room and brand new kitchen and toilet facilities built in accordance with current Health and Safety and the Disability Discrimination Act.

The under fives will benefit from the added space and the environment will be safer and more pleasing for Playgroup and Little Feet Parent and Toddler groups. Now that we have our superb new primary school in the centre of the village it is time to update our pre-school facilities. One of the great things about living in Longhope is the tremendous community spirit; the community works together for the benefit of all. Already we have had donations and offers of help to drive this project forward. Our project will make use of local expertise and builders and source local materials. It will also be energy efficient and focus on a sustainable amenity for the future.

September 2007 Progress Report

A number of developments have already taken place on the refurbishment and extension of the Latchen Rooms.

• The old, suspended ceiling has now been removed and new lighting is soon to be installed.
• Space in the kitchen has been expanded.
• New toilets have been installed in the basement which itself has been damp-proofed and redecorated.
• A new refridgerator has been order with a donation made by the Longhope Experience.
• A brand new cooker has been ordered with, appropriately, funds from the Longhope Cook Book.

The Latchen Room Management and Development committee have also been busy applying for funding from a variety of other sources.

• Enrolled and registered with ENTRUST to enable us to apply for funding through the Government's Landfill Tax Credit Scheme.
• Applying to BIFFAWARD for a possible £50,000.
• Applied to the Rotary Club Flood Appeal Fund to replace doors in the basement recently damaged by flooding.
• Have a promise from the Longhope Business Association of matchfunding.
• Secured £100 from The Forester courtesy of Café Bonnies.
• Applied to the Fête Committee for funds.

What currently happens at the Latchen?

The Latchen hosts all manner of events including but not limited to:

• Amateur Dramatic Society
• Tai Chi
• Art Group
• Evergreens
• Gardening Club
• Women's Institute events
• Playgroup and Little Feet
• The Longhope Experience
• Parish Council meetings
• Bonnies Café
• The Latchen Room is also available for private hire

In the future we hope to provide Outreach Education classes from the Forest of Dean College, a table tennis club, indoor bowls, pilates, computer courses, family history, first aid, DIY and a youth theatre group.

This is a new and exciting development that will benefit the local community. We hope to complete this project by Summer 2008.

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