Volunteer construction workers help refurb Peebles Kingdom Hall

[Guest Nicole]

VOLUNTEER construction workers from across the UK have travelled to Peebles to refurbish the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Tweed Brae.

Workers from as far north as Alness and from as far south as Plymouth have been working to strip the interior of the building back to bare brick and to remodel the building.

Among the work by the volunteers, new heating and ventilation systems have been installed, plus new windows, internal walls, toilets and utilities have been added, which the local congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses has been using since 1978.

Prior to 1978, the building housed the town’s telephone exchange.
The construction work has also created a spacious and foyer leading into the main auditorium. 

A range of funds held internationally have been used to finance the project, with the small army of volunteers ranging from various trades; joiners, plasterers, plumbers, tilers, painters, electricians and engineers carried out the work.

Michael Grant, spokesperson for the Peebles congregation told the Peeblesshire News: “We are delighted with the new interior, it is modern and comfortable with a real quality finish. As a congregation, we have really enjoyed accommodating the volunteers who have given their time and skills so willingly.”

Local congregation members clad in high vis and safety equipment became a familiar sight on Tweed Brae, even in the chilliest of winter weather. 

Michael added: “A lot of people have been asking about the work as they make their way up and down Tweed Brae, so we are looking forward to being able to invite locals to an open day.”

Tarrant Harbour, one of the construction volunteers said: “It has been a real pleasure to work with the congregation here in Peebles. Everyone has played their part. We set out to create a place of learning and that is what we have achieved”.

The first meeting in the new hall was held on Saturday, March 18 and open days are planned for Friday, March 31 and Saturday, April 8 from 10am until 1pm. 

http://www.peeblesshirenews.com/news/15169447.Volunteer_construction_workers_help_refurb_Peebles_Kingdom_Hall/#