Blessings rain down on Epic Centre topping out
Rain failed to dampen the spirits of the 200 or more people who witnessed the topping out of Lincolnshire's newest and greenest exhibition and conference venue at the Lincolnshire Showground earlier today (Thursday).
During the EPIC Centre topping out ceremony the President of the Lincolnshire Show, Richard Parker, laid the final piece of the living sedum roof while The Bishop of Lincoln, The Right Reverend Dr John Saxbee, gave a blessing.
Traditionally held to thank the workers for their efforts, honour their safe working and wish safety for those about to complete the construction, the topping out ceremony also marked an important milestone in the history of the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society (LAS).
Chairman of the LAS Ian Walter said: "This is an important day for the society and we were delighted that so many people were able to come and mark this momentous occasion. The idea started out as an acorn which has now grown into a magnificent building.
"It was a great leap of faith to commission this building knowing that we still have a massive fundraising effort ahead of us but we thank those who have supported us so far and hope that people will continue to give generously."
Dr Saxbee said he was delighted to have been asked to bless the building: "It is an enormous honour and a privilege because the EPIC Centre represents the best of Lincolnshire. It shows magnificent care for the community and a positive approach to the environmental challenges which face us.
"The EPIC Centre will be a model of good practice which others can follow across the country and further afield. Lincolnshire can be proud of the EPIC centre and all those who have made it possible."
Councillor Martin Hill, Leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said: "We are pleased to support this project with a £1m contribution. This is an exciting new development which will be a great boost for local tourism and the environmental ambitions of the county."
Other major contributors to the project include West Lindsey District Council which has donated £250,000 and the European Regional Development Fund which has awarded £1.69 million.
From 2008 the EPIC Centre, which is due to be completed by the end of May, will be the focal point for the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society's annual Show.
Built using the latest green building technologies, the EPIC Centre is an environmental showcase aimed at increasing awareness of climate change and encouraging people to recognise their ability to make a difference.
Commenting on their involvement with the project, Tony Chilvers, Director and General Manager of R G Carter Building Ltd, said: "As the main contractor, R G Carter Building Ltd is proud to be associated with the design and construction of the EPIC Centre at the Lincolnshire Showground.
"This unique building is designed to have a low carbon footprint incorporating many of the most recently developed sustainable techniques. The EPIC centre is the latest in a long line of environmentally friendly projects constructed by the R G Carter Group."
