Progress and Plans

Outline of phased development

The intended practical works on the building consist initially of a preparatory phase and a first phase to develop usage of the Pardshaw Quaker Centre.

The Preparatory Phase

Funds were raised to cover the costs of the Preparatory Phase of work which included:

• urgent roofing repairs (funded by Cumberland Area Quaker Meeting)
• installation of a new distribution board to bring the electrical system up to the latest standards
• electrical backbone cables and ductwork installed to facilitate the next phases of works
• emergency lighting installed to current standards
• fire and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms: to meet current regulations, stand-alone battery powered fire and CO alarms have been replaced with a linked system of detectors and sounders for heat, smoke and CO throughout the buildings
• foul drainage and safety: fencing erected to discourage access onto septic tank soakaway
• creation of a French drain along the front of the schoolroom to limit water ingress from the road
• clearance of invasive vegetation in the burial ground to both keep it tidy and prepare for creating a sloping pathway to improve accessibility
• discussion with a qualified arboreal consultant to advise on immediate and long-term management of the trees in the burial ground and behind the former hostel
• drawings and preparation for building an access ramp
• removal of damaged plaster allowing the walls and timber beneath to dry out
• removal of aged and flaking paint ready for repainting with breathable paints

In addition to the physical works we have also:

• created a website, newsletter and Facebook page for outreach and marketing
• met with the Conservation Officer to prepare to commission a heritage statement
• liaised with Cumberland Area Quaker Meeting and advice bodies regarding suitable legal structures to take the project forward
• set up a small charity – Friends of Pardshaw Quaker Centre and drafted a constitution for a Charitable Incorporated Organisation to take over the running and development of Pardshaw Quaker Centre.

Completion of this Preparatory Phase took over 500 hours’ work which was mainly carried out at workcamps in 2019 and early 2020 by 18 volunteers and 2 professionals. For more information, see Work Camps page.

The Current Phase – Phase One

We are now well through the first phase of works:

• a tree survey
• designing of heating systems for meeting rooms and schoolroom
• clearing out of roof-space in schoolroom and improving insulation
• investigating solutions to access issues for people with limited mobility or other impairment
• installation of handwash water heaters in all washrooms and kitchen
• setting up the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)

We are focussing next on work to bring the buildings back up to standard for our existing users including:

• removal of plaster in preparation for a professional lime plasterer
• replacement of the stove in the large Meeting room

We are also planning ahead and hope to proceed to a further phase of works to establish accommodation of a ‘camping barn’ standard in part of Pardshaw Quaker Centre.

Legal Structures

The Pardshaw Quaker Centre Charitable Incorporated Organisation (PQC CIO) was recognised by the Charity Commission on 10th February 2021. This charity has aims compatible with CAQM in order to allow a leasing arrangement to be drawn up with the agreement of the Charity Commission. This body will be the vehicle to seek funds for carrying out the major works planned for the property. 

We also have Friends of Pardshaw Quaker Centre (FPQC) – a small charity set up in August 2019. This charity allows a wider membership body and its purpose will be to increase participation and promote Pardshaw Quaker Centre. Newsletter recipients will be invited to become members in due course.

Costs and Fundraising

The costs of the Preparatory Phase were approximately £13 000 and the estimated costs of the next phase – Phase One – are £26 000. In addition, we need to cover the usual running costs of Pardshaw Quaker Centre.

Although we have met the costs of the Preparatory Phase and raised a proportion of the sum required for Phase One, we are now seeking funding from other sources including applications to appropriate trusts for the larger sums required.

You can now join us and become a member for a small annual fee, and/or all donations, of whatever amount, are most welcome.

JOIN US OR MAKE A DONATION HERE

Thank you