Cait Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 We have had some bad news today; the Chapel in which we are situated has decided to suspend services with a view to closing. There is to be a meeting in March for the final discussion. The Minister is very anxious that we will be allowed to stay - he really likes us being there and is happy that the building is being used to benefit the community. He's going to put this view to the Ministry circuit or whatever they are called, as they will in all likelihood become the new owners of the building. So, a couple of scenarios will arise from this, 1. that a new letting agreement will be drawn up with the new 'owners' and we will have sole use of the building, which they will maintain, or 2. that we will have to move out and the building will be sold. Obviously there's not a lot of chance we could afford to buy it - unless they let us have it at a peppercorn to absolve themselves of the responsibility of a 100+ year old building, which has woodworm and dry rot, etc. So, well at least we kind of know where we stand at the moment. We're in a rural village and there's nowhere else we can go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 Oh dear thats not good news for you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shiny Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 Sorry to hear your news Cait. I hope everything works out for you!! Keep us informed!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyMaz Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 Oh dear Cait - what a shame. I know you can't do much until you know what the decision is, but I would speak to your early years team as early as possible so they are aware of your situation. Good luck - hope it all ends well! Maz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dublinbay Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 Sorry to hear your news Cait. Fingers crossed for a suitable outcome for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hali Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 oh dear fingers crossed for you... we were told that in the future (2 yrs) that our memorial hall would probably be sold to developers!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 oh so sorry to here this, community preschools, nursery schools, playschools what ever they are called are sooo needed it is a shame I for one do not want these valueable assets/places/communites being swallowed up or cast aside. Hope it all works out ok. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cait Posted January 30, 2009 Author Share Posted January 30, 2009 Hmm, it's not good is it. 10 years ago our local area Sure Start wanted to build us our very own building but the parish council didn't want them to because they didn't want to be saddled with a building that no-one could afford to run. It wasn't explained very well, Sure Start was very new, and no-one could really answer our questions about liability or bills etc. How much different would life have been 'down that trouser leg?' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aliamch Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 Gosh that is a shame, try and keep positive though Cait. Karrie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cait Posted January 30, 2009 Author Share Posted January 30, 2009 Thanks to everyone for your support. We moved into the chapel 7 years ago - for 30 weeks whilst the school had 'space for sports and the arts' built, and we're still there! The school didn't have room for us to move back after the work was done - there had been a change in headteacher during the build and the new one wasn't inclined towards early years and jealous of our success. They also wanted to charge us rent, whereas as part of the school previously we had never paid rent. So we stayed in the chapel, and made the space our own, and it's home now, even though it's not ideal with high draughty windows. We had a chunk of ceiling plaster fall in suddenly in the week before Christmas and the Minister told us to 'just move into the Chapel while it's sorted out' and it's been great in that much larger space. He has told me today that we can keep using the whole building - 'just use it - treat it as your own' which we certainly will do. So, watch this space - we need to keep positive about it, my Mum says that everything happens for a reason, so perhaps we have an exciting time ahead of us Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue R Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 Bless you, Cait - my prayers are with you xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 Hi Cait, I really feel for you. The same thing happened to my setting three years ago. I had been working there four years, went in after the Christmas break only to be told we were closing. Thankfully, I got another job and i am still there. In fact the closure did me a favour as I am now in a school which i always wanted. Try and keep positive Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 I can empathize with you as I have similar building issues at the moment although thankfully not as drastic (I hope!). Hope everything works out for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beau Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 What a shock for you all! What will the community in general think about it? Would you get a lot of support if you needed to find some other way of keeping the group going? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosey Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 Oh Cait, what sad news! But what a lovely Minister for letting you treat the place as your own. Please keep us informed, I really hope everything works out for you. Rosey x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 I echo all others thoughts, fingers crossed that everything works out for you. Good advice from HappyMaz, maybe also do some research to find out what other 'church' settings have in terms of 'letting agreements', thus reducing the possibilty of any 'surprises'. Maybe also contact business link, they have a wealth of knowledge re: letting agreements, funding avenues etc, or 'know a man that can', help. Don't dismiss the idea of 'buying the building, there are people called business angels (or something like that) who mentor and support through finance business ventures. possibly this could turn out to be very exciting times ahead. Have an open mind to all possibilities, get as many people on board supporting you, coming up with ideas, thinking 'out the box' so to speak. Rural area, are there lots of farms around, maybe one has an unused outbuilding that could be converted? March will come around very quickly, so busy times ahead, starting Monday. Good luck, keep up your obviously positive attitude, if it wavers, you know we are all hear to listen. Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 31, 2009 Share Posted January 31, 2009 Hi Cait I also echo everyone's thoughts so far, Cait. You mother gave you wise advice too! You so obviously have a brilliant setting and that is you, the staff and the children. Also, a lovely minister who supports what you are doing. So wherever you end up, whatever happens, that goodwill remains. I look forward to hearing what happens. Lesley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cait Posted March 24, 2009 Author Share Posted March 24, 2009 The meeting was meant to be last Tuesday, but was postponed due to someone's ill health. I think it's today, but the caretaker didn't know if we were on the agenda as she'd not been asked to prepare anything, or inform me of the new date. So, we're still in limbo, and we keep starting sentences at staff meetings with "when we find out...." It's not easy, but in some respects I've 'been here' for the last 5 years, waiting for the pin to drop and we find out, one way or another. So, I'll keep you posted! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 24, 2009 Share Posted March 24, 2009 sorry to here your news, hope everything gets resolved soon and you get the outcome you deserve. good luck fingers crossed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hali Posted March 24, 2009 Share Posted March 24, 2009 have everything crossed for you Cait Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cait Posted March 26, 2009 Author Share Posted March 26, 2009 (edited) Hali, you can uncross everything. They had the meeting last night. WE CAN STAY!!!!! We're thrilled!! Rent to be reassessed of course, and a new lease to be drawn up, but hey, we can plan for September now! Edited March 26, 2009 by Cait Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
salm Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 congratulations Cait it must be a great relief now you can relax and get busy planning Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cait Posted March 26, 2009 Author Share Posted March 26, 2009 Yes - we actually said 'September' in a positive way this afternoon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
louby loo Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 good news!! must be such a weight of your minds xxxxxxxxxxxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunnyday Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 Fantastic - you must be sooooo pleased! Sunnyday Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beau Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 Great news Cait! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosey Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 YAY! Congratulations, that is absolutely fantastic news! Rosey x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyMaz Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 Fantastic - great to hear positive news! Are you planning a party to celebrate? Maz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hali Posted March 26, 2009 Share Posted March 26, 2009 excellent news well done Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cait Posted March 26, 2009 Author Share Posted March 26, 2009 Fantastic - great to hear positive news! Are you planning a party to celebrate? Maz For sure! I made gluten free buns tonight ready for decorating tomorrow! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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