Loddon Buildings Preservation Trust Preserving historic buildings in Loddon for the benefit of the community

A Brief History of the Trust

In 1996 Loddon Parish Council investigated the purchase of the Old Town Hall.
It soon became apparent to the Council that in order to maximise funds for the significant cost of restoration and management of the Old Town Hall, it was necessary to set up a Preservation Trust which would have Charitable status and be completely separate from the Council.

The Loddon Buildings Preservation Trust was duly set up as a charitable company, limited by guarantee, with membership invited from the general public.
The membership is on two levels - annual or life.
The Board consists of 5 Directors and a Company Secretary.
The Directors are elected by the Life members of the Trust and carry out their duties purely on a voluntarily basis. They normally meet every 6 weeks.
The management of the buildings is time consuming and involves lots of voluntary input by the Directors - 'hands on' work is often required.

The Old Town Hall

The Parish Council purchased the Old Town Hall, with a loan from the Public Works Loan Board, and leased it to the Loddon Buildings Preservation Trust so they could restore and manage the property.
The Old Town Hall is a Grade 11 Listed Building, which was falling into disrepair.
It is the intention of the Loddon Buildings Preservation Trust, with preferential grant assistance, to renovate and revitalise the building and bring it back into public usage.

The building comprises of a series of rooms, which were originally formed around a central entrance hall.
The Entrance Hall has been refurbished and its Victorian tiled floor cleaned and is now used as the Town and Tourist Information Centre.
The Trust has been able to obtain grants from the Broads Authority and South Norfolk towards the cost of running of the Information Centre.
The large room off the entrance hall is let to the Parish Council and is the office of the Clerk. This has allowed parishioners ready access to the Council.
The other part of the building is let to Kate James Hairdressers. It is the intention of the Trust, even after the renovation of the Town Hall, to maintain this arrangement, as it is a useful source of income.

The building has benefited from redecoration in all areas. Recently the Trust has renewed a flat roof at the rear of the building and is progressing structural works to the front of the building and re-building of the chimneys.

The Hollies

During 1997 Norfolk County Council decided that their Youth and Community Service would change direction.
This caused much concern throughout the County with each centre vying to become the area base and thereby retain the buildings for Community use. Most of their Community Centres were destined to be closed, including The Hollies.
The area around Loddon was fortunate that the Parish Council had set up the Buildings Preservation Trust. Together they were able to negotiate leases of all the buildings forming The Hollies.
The Parish Council delegated their part in the day-to-day management of the buildings to the Trust, so that no cost fell on the rate-payers.

The Hollies Buildings

The Hollies - comprises of two halls.
Decoration has been carried out internally and a new heating system installed in the main hall.

The Hollies Classroom - this is a timber building behind the main Hollies building.
It has been re-decorated internally and externally, and new carpeting and heating have been installed.

The Library Annexe - comprises two halls adjacent to the Library and is entered via the blue door on the right of the building.
Decoration has been carried out internally and there is now new flooring in the kitchen and toilet areas.

Membership

You can help to preserve these buildings by becoming a Member of the Trust. There are two categories of membership:
Full Members - for a one-off payment of £25 you can secure membership for life, as well as being entitled to vote at General Meetings of the Trust.
Associate Members - the fee payable is £5 per annum. However, an Associate Member is not able to vote at General Meetings.
Membership forms can be obtained from Hilary Mansfield at the Information Centre in the Old Town Hall.

All the directors of the Trust give their time entirely voluntarily, but they are busy people and would appreciate some additional help.
If you think you may be able to help in any way - great or small - please do contact us

Contacting the Trust

For further information please leave an enquiry at the Old Town Hall mail box with your contact details.

Hire rates

The above are "casual user" rates which are subject to a minimum 2 hour hire charge and payment of a £25 security deposit in advance.
Concessionary rates apply for regular users.

For further information, or to hire any of the above please contact Hilary Mansfield at the Information Centre at The Old Town Hall:
10 am to 12 noon Monday to Friday
or tel 521028