Crowdfund
Our first ever crowdfund ended 0n the 7th December as a huge success. Our target to help set up the Library of Things was £2000, but we managed to achieve an amazing £2800!!!! This money will be used to fund the significant insurance costs, software licence, training staff, secure storage and hopefully we ca make out stretch to actually buying a few things for the Library itself. Amazing. Thank you!
The building
We picked up the keys to the building on the 24th November. The hall has been empty for approximately 7 years, so was full of cob webs, was VERY could, and quite sad looking. With a magnificent effort from the community, the Hall has had a thorough clean, has been redecorated, carpets have been fitted and furniture installed. We still have some work to do to finish things off, but its been a fantastic and rapid turnaround. The electrician is coming in next week to fit extra sockets and heating and a plumber has offered to fit a hot water system. We now need someone to help with our problematic roof – it leaks due to many missing and broken tiles, and we need someone to fit skirting board. However, we cannot complain as the community has really come together to make the Hall a safe, welcoming space for all.
Volunteers
We have had a great response to the advert we placed with Central Surrey Voluntary Action, and indeed in response to a 2 page article recently published in Your Elmbridge magazine. It’s fantastic that so many people are learning about the Hub and want to get involved. Please don contact us if you would like to learn more info@elmbridgeecohub.org.uk
Community Fridge
We took delivery of our massive 1000ltr fridge this week. Thank you to COOP for providing the sponsorship in collaboration with HUBBUB to pay for it, and all associated costs going forward. On Wednesday 9th, we met with Sarah Nuttall – COOP Member Pioneer for the area. COOP are providing a huge amount of support to the Eco Hub, and have committed to providing surplus food going forward. The aim is to open the Community fridge in January 2022, dependant on Environmental health approval – which we hope is a formality.
Community Garden
Last week we had a visit by Lettie from RHS Wisley advising on the design, plant selection and timeline for the Community Garden. Earlier this week we received a donation of 750kg of wood chippings from Clive Cummings of Arborist_Surrey tree surgeons from which we have created a natural and carbon negative path along the length of the garden. On Tuesday this week we received an amazing donation of 1.6 tonnes of Grade A compost from local company Envar Composting. We have already made 4 raised – no dig beds ready for spring planing and hope to create at least as many again with the remainder of the compost.