| AOSA ANNUAL REPORT 2001 | ||
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This Magazine Contents
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It is a fine building in a wonderful setting, and now, at the turn of the year, we can already boast a sound roof, a new floor with under floor heating installed and the internal divisions almost complete. Friends are thankful for the progress so far and look forward to the future with confidence.
It was way back in August 1998 that Friends made the decision to redevelop. A Meeting had existed in Ayton since 1689, more than 150 years before our school was founded, so we realised we had a responsibility to future generations. After much consultation and prayerful consideration, Friends made a united decision to go ahead and we were fully supported by our local community. We chose Edwin Trotter as our architect, he had designed and built the new Meeting House in Scarborough. Designs, plans and the Appeal followed, when we were supported by Friends, Old Scholars and Trusts. It is impossible to express our appreciation and gratitude in words – may we be given the strength and inspiration to continue the work commenced by early Friends and continued by the school over the years. During 1999 Friends wondered when we could start building and old scholars hoped we would have completed by the reunion in 2000. No-one had anticipated that the planning permission on a Grade II listed building would involve six months deliberation. The work went out to tender in August 2000 and our chosen builder, Tom Willoughby Ltd was ready to start work by 9th October, 2000. We are completely satisfied with progress so far and it should be possible to complete the project on time. Inside work involves plastering, the installation of kitchen equipment and storage cupboards throughout, besides decorating and floor cover. We would certainly appreciate about three weeks of good weather to enable the remaining outside work of pointing, painting, guttering and the entrances, to be completed. We should be able to pay all our expenses as they come in, for we have been promised an interest free loan for a period of three years. We are very grateful that some Trusts and a few individuals have made a ‘second’ donation. One Ackworth old scholar with Ayton connections persuaded all contributors to his 80th birthday celebrations to send their monies to our Appeal Fund, we received over £400! We still need a few extra thousand pounds if we are to complete all our payments on this wonderful new refurbishment. We look forward to welcoming old scholars to the Meeting House on 23rd/24th June 2001 during their summer reunion. Martyn Gaudie (1935-38), Appeals’ Treasurer, (Follow this link to the Meeting House pages with a full refurbishment photo report) |
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The
old scholars’ website keeps many abreast of developments, but some of the details need
filling in. Mains services, i.e., basic piping and wiring are installed, the windows have been
lowered and lengthened in preparation for frames and double glazing. Screening has been
erected between our new rooms and the ‘hall/social area’ which will be glazed in due
course. The new staircase and floor of the upstairs room will shortly be completed. This ‘all
purpose’ room, which will store and display school and old scholars’ memorabilia, is
larger than anticipated for it covers the former gents’ toilets and the south end of the
passageway. Steel structures have replaced the old, thick Meeting House wall on the east side
of the passageway and support the upper room and strengthen the roof at this end of the
building. Friends should be worshipping in Great Ayton Meeting House by Easter 2001.