Background

When the new committee first met there were a number of issues with the building and the infrastructure that were identified as priorities. These were

• Overhaul the sound system in the building
• Replace cooker burners in kitchen
• Replace the central heating system in the main Darbar and both langar halls.
• Redecorate main Darbar and small langar hall
• Replace carpeting in main Darbar

This has been a busy year for the Building Subcommittee and we are pleased to report that most of the work has been completed, or is currently in hand.

We would like to thank those members of the Sangat that gave their time to help us.

Many observations had been made about the quality and level of the sound system. A professional sound engineering company, Audiosense, was commissioned to assess and upgrade the system.

The recommendation was that the system did not need to be completely replaced but could be partially re-installed in order to improve it and to make it more flexible. The work carried out included:

• Replace microphones in both the small and main Darbar.
• Replace existing speakers with new, self amplified, speakers.
• Replace all signal cabling within both Darbars.
• Install a Cloud Zone controller and five remote control units.
• Install new mixer and self amplified speakers in small Darbar.
• The small upstairs hall has been wired pending a new sound system. This will be completed once the subsidence issues have been dealt with.

The system now provides for any of the three main areas, Main Darbar, Small Darbar or Large Langar Hall to be used independently. The Zone controller enables each room to select which service is broadcast to it. The Zone controller will also enable live recordings of future services once suitable recording equipment has been identified and purchased.We would like to thank Cloud for donating the remote controls and advising us on the installation.

Central Heating
The central heating systems in the main Darbar and small Langar hall have been renewed. This entailed removal of the old system and installation of new boilers, pipework, radiators and control circuits.

Redecoration
The main Darbar, small Langar hall and the common area between them have all had a much needed complete redecoration

Carpeting
The main Darbar has now been completely re-carpeted, the first time since the Gurdwara was first opened. New cover sheets have been ordered and (hopefully) will be in use from late March 2008.

Current Projects
The heating system in the large Langar hall has never proved to be adequate. We are currently looking into possible solutions with a view to complete any necessary works as soon as is practical.                        

The stage area of the main Langar hall has been measured for new curtains which should be installed before April 2008                       

Major building movement has been reported to the insurers and is currently being monitored before repairs can be undertaken. It is hoped that the committee will be in a position to proceed with this during 2008/09