FORGE UPDATE –

and a request for your help!

Four local contractors have submitted tenders for the building work. The proposals are being examined closely by the trustees and their consultants to determine the most cost-effective solution to providing a building that is fit for use in the 21st century, whilst retaining the look and feel of a period forge. Careful attention to detail at this stage is vital to avoid costly changes later.

Once a contractor has been selected, we will update the village with further information on our plans and likely schedule. In the meantime, the trustees would like to hear from you.

Calling potential hall users!

Since the outset of this project, we have received dozens of suggestions on how the building could be used. The excellent and often original ideas range from small meetings and club groups through to yoga, pilates and indoor bowls. Now is the time to put some flesh on the bones!

If you would like to organise an activity at the Forge, we would like to know what it is – such as a club meeting, art display, exercise class and so on, along with your estimates of how many people might attend and for how long in each session and how frequently you may wish to hold them. Although it will be some months before the building is ready, we would very much like the facility to be used from day one after opening. Advance bookings will be welcome nearer the time. Until then, the more we know about your plans, the better.

Request for historical artefacts

In recognition of the building’s history, we aim to decorate the site with appropriate period artefacts. We have already been offered a variety of items to display, including old cartwheels, an anvil, assorted blacksmith’s tools, as well as maps and photos of the village. However, we would still welcome more items relevant to an old forge or to the history of the village, so please let us know if you have anything to donate or loan to the trust. We are very grateful for all contributions, whether large or small.

To respond to these requests – or if you think you can assist us in any other ways – please email the trust via binfieldheathforge@gmail.com.

The Forge Team

To see the full application online double-click this link. https://data.southoxon.gov.uk/ccm/support/Main.jsp?MODULE=ApplicationDetails&REF=P24/S2597/FUL#exactline