It is now a year since the Development Appeal was launched, and this leaflet is being sent to inform everyone of the results so far achieved.
The response has been very good, donations coming from local firms, from individuals, some of whom have only learned recently of Murray House and the work it does, from Trusts and Foundations, and of course from our good friends the Defence Social Service Association.
Our target when the Appeal was launched was £50,000, but, as previously explained, this had to be raised to £60,000 in April 1973, because the tender for the new building was much higher than had been anticipated. Up to the present we have raised £49,597 which is not far short of our initial goal, but still well below the amount really needed.
Work has been proceeding on the New Centre since the beginning of May 1973. The Foundation Stone was laid by The Honourable Lady Waller, JP, on the 19th July. The ceremony was attended by a large number of individuals from the business community of Newcastle, by residents in the area, and by members of Murray House. It was widely reported in the Press. The building is likely to be completed on schedule, and it is our intent ion that the official opening of the New Centre will take place on 16th July, 1974.
Notwithstanding the excellent response to the Appeal, we are still £10,403 short of the target figure. Every penny of this will be needed, if the New Centre is to be properly equipped, and if Murray House is to embark on its mission of the 'seventies and 'eighties free of debt. For this reason we appeal to those who have not yet made their personal contribution to complete the Banker's Order/Deed of Covenant form attached to this Report, and return it to the Treasurer as soon as possible.
A further Report will be published later, which will include an additional list of subscribers.
This is exactly one quarter of the list of subscribers who together contributed the £60, 000 which was needed to build Murray House in Diana Street in 1974. We'll put the rest here as soon as possible (volunteers?!).
