The Hall Trustees have been working with the regular user groups to develop a Hall Improvement Project that will ensure the sustainability of our community asset and make it all it can be, to meet the needs of our population.  The project has been informed by the changing times, with a need make best use of space and the wish to play our part in the move to Net Zero. It will decarbonise the Hall and we will become virtually self sufficient in self-generated power, ensuring we are able to provide a cosy, affordable venue for our community into the future.  We used pandemic closure support funds from the Scottish Government to engage an architect, obtain planning permission and a building warrant, and to go to tender for the work. We would like to thank our regular user groups (OWLS and Oxnam Kirk) who held fundraising events for us and donated the proceeds to this project. Thanks also to the Hall Trustees who have worked hard to make this project a success. Funding was awarded for Phases 1 and 2 - many thanks to our funders - and the work to create a greener hall is now finished!

The project is being taken forward in three Phases, subject to fundraising:

1. To lower the ceiling/strengthen the roof in the main Hall to make it warmer and ready for solar panels. Funding awarded (Scottish Borders Council - Cheviot Neighbourhood Support Fund), with balance from Hall funds.  Work complete!
2. To install air-to-air heating, solar pv panels and battery storage, and replace fluorescent lighting with LED. Funding awarded (CARES and Borders Community Action - Village Halls Retrofit).  Work complete!
3. To re-order the layout of the Hall, improving use of space and creating a new utility area with external ramped access. Fundraising for this phase will start soon!