Improvements to centres

Apart from the usual programme of maintenance which goes on in the centres, major building works have been carried out at Orme Court and Kelston and we refurbished  the Lodge at Wickenden Manor and the lounge at Netherhall House. The works at Orme Court have upgraded numbers 4 to 8 and improved the use of space. The Lodge refurbishment at Wickenden Manor has meant that separate activities can now be organised simultaneously in the Lodge and Manor, which significantly increases the capacity. At Kelston, the works formed part of an ongoing project to expand the club and study centre. At this stage of the project, the kitchen area was refurbished and work has started on joining the top floor of the adjacent house to Kelston. This work will also enlarge the garden and refurbish the dining room.

An active programme of fundraising is currently underway, so that the next stage of the project can be started soon. A fundraising committee has been formed, separate from the club management committee, to look for larger donations and grants. At the same time, the club members are getting involved in a programme of fundraising activities. Amongst these are the annual London to Brighton sponsored cycle ride and the Kelston bric-a-brac stall at the Wandsworth Show.

Crosmore

At the end of the financial year to September 2001, the decision was taken to buy a flat in Finsbury Square on the edge of the City of London. The flat is situated in a house where we had previously been renting, for the purpose of holding talks and seminars for city workers. The new flat was purchased with some generous donations, topped up with a bank loan to finance the balance. The purchase is expected to be completed early in the new financial year, after which some modest works will be carried out before releasing the rented flat and starting to use the new Crosmore in 2002.

One of the great benefits of Crosmore is that it extends the reach of NEA's activities to the East of London. Our existing centres in London cover the North, South and West, but until now attendance at NEA activities from East London has involved long and often awkward journeys. The proximity of Crosmore to Liverpool Street station makes it easy to get there from further afield too.