AN ANDOVER group promoting conservation has raised thousands of pounds to fund a project to build an off-grid cabin. 

Andover Trees United hosted an auction of promises on Friday, May 19, to enable the completion of The Cabin. 

The Cabin has been part of the vision for Harmony Woods from the outset. The is build an off-grid, sustainable classroom, field-study base, community and volunteer room.

The building will be sensitive to its surroundings and sits well in the landscape.

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Escalating costs, however, has meant that Andover Trees United has had to spend funds earmarked for the internal fitting on the main build itself. These funds have now run out and additional money is needed to fit out the inside. 

The auction of promises, held at The Wolversdene Club’s Hayward Suite, raised a much-needed £3,700.

The event welcomed local community members and businesses, volunteers of the charity and the Mayor of Test Valley, Cllr Alan Dowden, all donating promises and offering bids to help raise funds to enable the completion of The Cabin.

An Andover Trees United spokesperson said: "We cannot thank all who attended, those that bid from afar and anyone that donated a ‘promise’ enough. We hope that all who attended had a wonderful evening and that you managed to snag yourself a bargain or two.

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"We would also like to thank Dave Allon for stepping in at the last moment as compere, Matty Twigg for creating the perfect musical ambience and Jane of Andover Buffets for the delicious food - we couldn’t have done it without you! You helped make the evening a great success.

"A special thank you to the Wolversdene Club for donating the venue, Abel & Cole for donating table nibbles, Julian Chen of New Street Dental Care and Serendipity Vintage for sponsoring the event."

They continued: "Though we raised a substantial amount of money, due to the ever-rising cost of materials, we are still only halfway there and our fundraising efforts must continue."

If you were unable to make it to the auction and would like to help out by donating, go to globalgiving.org/projects/woodland-classroom to donate. 

If you are unable to donate money, the group are looking for volunteer carpenters, plasterers, building trades who would like to help with the final phase of this community build. Email sharon.vennall@andovertrees.org.uk to offer help or to find out more.