Our Extension

We knew we were short of space as our Music Nights, Coffee Mornings, Exhibition Matches were full.

We had other groups asking to hire our institute, but our activity room was too small.

So we drew up plans to extend, got the backing from our members to build on to the front and to reconfigure the inside of our existing building. 

We applied for funding, and we were successful, so we started in Spring 2024

We finished the project in July 2024.

We have a larger activity room, a more open main area and many flexible options to host larger events.

We now have over 200 members, and our events are always sold out.

We started holding events in the new Activity Room almost immediately. 

The first was a First Aid Course delivered by The St John's Ambulance Service, and now the room is used regularly by many groups

We can now hold our own meetings in our Activity Room.

Other groups have also held meetings here. The room can easily accommodate 20 people. It has a smart tv and ample power and network points

We transformed the Activity Room into a Santa's Grotto and invited 20 children along for a great Christmas event.

All were accompanied by an adult and were either related to our members or part of Rieverdale Scout Group

We wanted to remind our current members and visitors that we've been around snice 1938

We wanted to recognise the amazing story of The Pitmen Painters - part of Ashington's history

26 of their paintings are permanently on display - each 70% of their original size.

Other info about the group is also on show

We could never have done this extension without the fantastic support we had from many organisations.

With donations from £500 to £20,000, we were able to secure enough funding to ensure the project was completed to the highest of standards

Not only did we get an extra 36 sq metres of much-needed space, we upgraded our existing premises too.

We rewired throughout, improved our heating and toilet systems, increased our storage facilities, purchased more furniture and other equipment

We cannot thank our supporters enough, and through their amazing generosity and support AVAEI is now a modern, safe and fit-for-purpose building. 

It is very much part of the community and well-supported by our amazing volunteers, members and visitors