Bideford Kingdom Hall Project 2009

After almost 17 years of constant use our Kingdom Hall’s air handling system (air conditioning, cooling & heating) was no longer working and it was decided, after approaching the Regional Building Committee, that it should be replaced with a new and improved version for the comfort of the congregation.

The RBC came to survey the property and gave us details of the extensive work that would be involved and the considerable costs that would be incurred. Both congregations agreed that the work should be done and the necessary funds were contributed by the brothers.


The Kingdom Hall was cleared and boards were used to protect the carpet. The new air handling unit was to be situated in the roof space so that also had to be cleared and boarded out, a new loft hatch and ladder installed, all the old insulation removed and a timber platform erected for the unit.

Safety was a priority and inflatable airbags were required during this time.

Because of the work involved it was scheduled to be done over a number of weekends.

This meant that we could not use the Kingdom Hall for meetings and had to make other arrangements for this time period. Torridge congregation was able to share Barnstaple's KH but our congregation, Bideford bay, had to find a suitable local hall to hire. We hired Kingsley Hall at Westward Ho! which is normally used for bingo and pantomimes.

It meant that we had to take everything with us; all the sound equipment, notice board, lectern, contribution boxes etc and set it all up in the short time we had before the meeting began. It was hard work and made us appreciate what we had taken so much for granted in the KH.

Mobile sound system in the back of our car!

The new air handling unit was very large and heavy and had to be delivered and installed by a crane through a hole in the wall.

The ducting was then fitted, the power and controls installed and the unit was set up and tested.

The local sisters were marvelous, providing all the appetizing meals and refreshments for the volunteers throughout the duration of the project.

Finally the KH was thoroughly cleaned, repainted in parts, the chairs reinstalled and we were able to return for our first meeting last Sunday.

It was good to be back and the unit was working brilliantly – silent and effective and completely unobtrusive! It was over a month of hard work but we are so grateful for all the hard working brothers and sisters who made this project such an amazing success.