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{multithumb thumb_width=100 thumb_height=126 }It's always fun giving out good news to an appreciative audience. For Judy Stack, hardworking fundraiser for the St Mary’s Village Hall Renovation Project, her moment came at the latest meeting of the Heathcote Valley Community Association. Up stood Judy with a big smile on her face to announce that the actual building stage is about to begin. For the Project Team this must be a dream come true after two years of endeavour.{multithumb default}

The big thermometer on Martindales Road is certainly hard to miss. It's telling us that if our village hall is to get it's redevelopment, we need to raise the sum of $250,000. Close observers will have noticed that until recently, our efforts were stalled at the figure of $110,000. Judy was happy to tell us that two large donations of $20,000 from the Pub Charities and $5,000 from the Mainland Trust plus interest has pushed the money raised out to $140,000. This is enough for building to commence in August on the first stage of the redevelopment.

On the plan is a new entranceway, a relined and decorated meeting room, a new kitchen area and appliances, new doors to smarten up the entrance and a deck to sit out on when it's sunny. Just when we all started to get that warm 'job well done' feeling, Judy reminded us that we still had a long way to go. Extra building costs have pushed the total required on our thermometer up from $250,000 to a new total of $290,000. Never mind said Judy, "it's onward and upward and we are going to get there".

With this in mind the Project Team have recently sent a public appeal out to the residents of Heathcote, Horotane, Morgans and Avoca Valleys. Now is the time for the local residents to give this project the boost it needs and actually make a really positive difference in the valley. Give Judy a ring on 379 4062 to buy a case of Parish Wine or make a donation. You'll be helping to make it all happen and be able to raise a glass to what we have achieved so far. Cheers to the team and well done.