Project Update : November '06

Our fund raising efforts have been successful and enabled the repair work described in the Project Pamphlet to be completed by the end of September, beginning of October 2004 as envisaged. We believe the threat of a major breach during the coming months has now been averted. Photographs can be viewed on this site.

In retrospect, £40,000 was an ambitious target to raise in a matter of nine weeks! Nevertheless, despite a funding shortfall the actual costs were lower than anticipated due to a competitive tendering process by several contractors. Moreover, the decision to proceed was made in the knowledge that any cash flow timing differences could be financed by a loan, put in place pending the collection of outstanding pledges and tax refunds.

We take this opportunity to acknowledge everyone who made donations toward the Project for their generosity and interest in supporting our objective to reconstruct Calver Weir.

Individual letters of thanks have been sent to all those concerned.

After a brief pause for breath we are now about to embark on the major challenge; raising circa £900,000, the estimated cost of restoring Calver Weir to its former glory and to safeguard its heritage for the benefit of future generations.

As originally explained in the Project Pamphlet, this significant amount will only be raised with the assistance of such bodies as the Heritage Lottery, major companies operating in the area and the proliferation of agencies interested in preservation and the environment. It is envisaged that contacts will be established with these parties over the coming weeks to ascertain their level of interest and financial support.

In the meantime, we will be grateful for further donations from the general public, local residents, visitors to the area or walkers along the riverbanks. Details of where to send donations can be found on this site.

Further updates and progress reports will be made on this site as they occur.