The Youth club is finally open and has been doing a brisk trade since the middle of May, with an official open evening on Monday 29th June. Many of our funders and helpers were there with family and despite the sweltering heat, everyone was impressed, and took advantage of the gorgeous buffet generously provided by Harrisons restaurant of Main Road.
Chairman Tony McKenna made a speech thanking all of those who had worked so hard, over the years, and the Ark 11 charity for their work, and of course those who donated cash, and the Essex Environment Trust, Essex Community Initiative Fund, and Hockley Parish Council who all sent representatives on the night. An Appeal was made for further funding towards air conditioning for one and floorcovering for another, but also for anyone who would volunteer to supervise one night a week or even just one night a fortnight, as we are only open open at present two nights a week.
Anyone who could not make it on the open evening is welcome to come along either Friday or Tues evenings to have a look and see what we have achieved.

Building work is well under way now, although it was delayed by the bad weather in December and January, plus unexpected problems uncovered combined to delay us. So the planned opening date for the end of February was premature.

As you can see by the latest photo’s published here, new toilets and a canteen/kitchen were built and decorating is halfway there. The kitchen looks so much bigger than on the plans, so we have planned a lot more to go in it, including an oven and hob, in order to be able to make the best use of the space.  This was going to cost us more than budgeted for, but Howdens Joinery came up trumps and donated the whole lot !

Hopes were high for completion by the end of March, but the date is now 9th of April. The fire escape is now up, and we await the lift. We are using all local contractors and suppliers, all of whom have been very helpful and concerned to give us as much support as they can. Wallakers Builders and Contractors are the main contractor, and we owe it to them for persuading Howdens to donate the kitchen. Another local firm Security Systems Group of Ashingdon, contracted to do the fire alarm and door entry systems, took pity on us and have installed the intruder alarm for free, for which we are very grateful.

In the last year, we have moved on a very long way, there are now Five Trustees, including myself, we are all local residents with a strong desire to improve our community. We have recently had some new recruits to the cause, volunteers who got in touch as a result of the HRA newsletter article. Now we should have some time to keep the website up to date – WATCH THIS SPACE !!!

The Massive Project youth centre is coming to Hockley.

Where? 7a Eldon Way, Hockley.

When? End of January 2010.

Over £100,000 has been raised and will be used for providing a safe environment for our young people (11-17 years old) to enjoy.

We invite all interested parties to join us to help make this project the best we can for our youth.

If you can help with time, equipment or fundraising, please call 01702 202915

Quiz night fundraiser on 8th January at Hockley Public Hall, Bullwood Road.

Sponsored by Hockley Parish Plan Group

Tables of 6, £5 per person.

For details phone Heather on 01702 204943

The Massive Project has now received Charity and Limited Company status. We are pleased to be in association with the Landfill Communities Fund, Essex Environmental Trust and Essex County Council.

1. The Inaugural meeting of the Trustees took place 18^th June. The elected Chairman is Tony McKenna, The Company Secretary, Arthur Hutchins and the Treasurer is Kevin Blythe. Trustee CRB checks are completed.

2. Our grateful thanks go to solicitor Graham Jones for his invaluable help with the lease. We are also most grateful to Ashingdon Parish council for funding a dedicated computer.

3. The timeline for the despatch of tenders to 5 builders is the 13^th July.

4. Emails have been sent to Fitzwymark and King Edmund schools to ensure that they are aware of the Project. An A4 poster is being designed to further awareness. We are doing everything we can to include all the youth in Hockley, Hawkwell and Ashingdon in this venture..

5. A five a side football match for the youth is being organized and will take place in the very near future.

The Massive Project is well through the process of becoming a charity limited by guarantee.
CRB registration is ongoing.

11th February members of the Steering Group met with a representative of Compact (RDC) with who our aims are in accordance.   Signing with Compact will enable the Project to apply for revenue funding.

13th February members of the Steering Group attended the Youth Council meeting for Greensward Academy.  The youth were enthusiastic about the project, keen to help in fund raising and full of good ideas for the centre’s format.  The committee will take on board these ideas.

A successful meeting was held on the 17th February to introduce prospective trustees and volunteer management committee.  Among the volunteers is Hannah Willmott, a member of V Inspire.  We look forward to working with her and the input of V Inspire.  A presentation from Dave Shelton of the Essex Boys Club was very well received by all present.  His advice was extremely helpful.

20th February, photos of the prospective premises were taken for BIFFA.

Logo for The Environmental Trust, Landfill Communities Fund and Essex County Council will appear on any  press release and printed material relatint to the Project.

Our funds now stand at £112.000.  We need to raise another £40.000 to finalise capital and the first year’s revenue funding.