The GAA London has for the last decade or so, been actively seeking to acquire a suitable community hall for our community. This has proved to be a very difficult task as such properties seldomly come onto the market. There are a number of difficult factors that had to be overcome, namely being the right location for ease of accessibility by our community members, being the right size to accommodate our community and most importantly, having adequate parking facilities. It is for these reasons that we have great pleasure in announcing that the GAA London has found such a property. To add to this, we have also been successful in putting in a tentative bid for the John Billam Sports Hall on a 125-year lease.

The advantages to buy our own property are obvious, as we may never get such a golden opportunity again. The property has ample car parking space and has a large central hall suitable for our community’s various sporting, cultural, social and religious functions. The building has numerous rooms of various sizes suitable for use as committee meetings, teaching etc. There is also a bar area that we are keen to make into a social club. The property also boasts male and female changing areas for our sports activities.

Part of the John Billam Sports Ground consists of several full size football and cricket pitches, for which the GAA London will have preferential use. GAA London will also be able to charge for the use of the changing facilities. As per present agreement with Brent Council, GAA London will also be providing changing facilities to local schools.

We would also appreciate any advice, suggestions and above all, any expert and practical help relating to building works, such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters and general builders to fulfill this, our community’s greatest ever project.

By acquiring a permanent building, the GAA London will be making obvious cost savings. At present, our community spends up to £10,000 per annum in hiring costs. Add to this that we seldomly get the preferred dates and venues that we want and have to settle with what is available. But apart from this, having a hall of our own will also provide a focal point for our community, give a sense of direction and above all, a sense of belonging to our members. By having this hall, we will also be able to promote involvement and participation by the youth of our community in both sporting and cultural activities. It is also hoped to cater for the very young of our community by having a nursery, playgroups and even summer camps during vacations.

The GAA London would like to actively advance activities for the ladies in our community by organising keep-fit classes, yoga classes and various other lectures and talks. It is also hoped to establish a ‘Mahila Mandal’.

The building will provide a meeting place for the elderly members of our community. It will also provide a base for various cultural and social activities for them.