Friendship Hall Shines Bright with Vital Upgrades

In a heartwarming display of community support, Friendship Hall, a cherished local asset, is set to undergo crucial upgrades thanks to a generous donation. John Lock, Trustee, and Treasurer of the Aylsham Older People's Association (AOPA), which oversees the management of Friendship Hall, recently submitted a request for financial assistance to Aylsham Rotary Club.

The request, seeking a £500 donation, will be allocated towards two vital improvements - the replacement and installation of a new water heater for the hall's kitchen and the installation of a light above the recently acquired defibrillator.

The current water heater in Friendship Hall has served faithfully over the years but has grown old and inefficient, falling short of the required capacity. The cost estimate for a new water heater, including electrical installation, stands at £500 plus VAT. Additionally, plumbing in the new heater is projected to cost £250 plus VAT.

Friendship Hall's commitment to safety extends to the installation of a defibrillator, a potentially life-saving community asset, prominently mounted on an exterior wall of the hall. However, during nighttime hours, visibility is limited, which prompted the need for a well-placed light. The estimated cost for purchasing and fitting a light above the defibrillator is £120 plus VAT.

Friendship Hall stands as a beacon of community togetherness, offering its space to various groups and organizations, catering to a wide demographic, including the National Childbirth Trust, the Toddlers group, the Blind Club, Combat Stress, the Friendship Club (comprising members aged 80 to 100), Aylsham History and Wildlife Societies, the Roman Project, Aylsham Twinning, U3A, Broadland Ukulele, Dance groups (Scottish and Ballroom), as well as regular Bookbinding and Stitching classes and Food Hygiene courses.

Recognizing the invaluable role Friendship Hall plays in the community's well-being, the proposal to the Club  to donate £500 to the Aylsham Older People's Association, was readily approved. This contribution will go towards covering the expenses associated with replacing the water heater and ensuring the defibrillator remains visible around the clock, thereby reinforcing the hall's role as a lifeline within the community.