- Jul 20, 2017
- 3 min read

Altcar PODS are NOT finished as claimed by other newspapers

The Altcar PODS project is by no means complete as was reported in local newspapers last week.

Chief Executive of North West Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, Colonel Mark Underhill said: "Could I please alert all the people who have so graciously supported and continue to support the PODs project on Altcar Training Camp to the following:- I was made aware of two articles in the local “free” newspapers published on 5 July: The Champion and the Midweek Visitor. Both articles covered the PODs and sadly gave out incorrect information which may have caused some disappointment to our wonderful contributors to the project."

"The most important information for you all is that Code’s Retreat has not been officially opened; this will only happen when the project is completed. Sadly, both articles imply that the PODs project had now finished and the facility had opened. Those involved in the management who have been at the heart of the project have always stated that when the facility is officially opened, all those supporters who have been involved in raising funds for this magnificent project will be invited to the opening ceremony."

"At this stage, we still have some way to go till it’s completion and more funding is required to finish off the work. The recent completion of the ablution block (a quite fantastic facility), the BBQ and fire pit have, under the wonderful support and generosity of Sovini Group, enabled us to complete yet another milestone of the project." The funding for this element of the facility was also matched by outstanding donations from the local residents of Hightown and the wider local vicinity for which we continue to thank you."

"I am sorry for any confusion that the two articles may have implied. In the meantime, our continued thanks to all our contributors, your support continues to be truly humbling”.

Altcar Camp Commandant, Colonel Gordon Black said: "We still have a way to go to complete the PODS project and funding is still required. The water and electricity still has to be linked up and then there will be annual bills to pay for those facilities which are separate to the Camp."

"We have done all we can to cover disabled facilities but, we wish to get expert advice that we have covered that part of the plan 100%. We also have a large container that has to be fitted with a patio door and windows so that the Veterans can use it as a workshop during their stay."

"There is also a fishing area that has to be built, plus the area needs to be levelled out, seeded and landscaped. As previously quoted, so many people have given brilliant support and when it is complete, we shall be delighted to welcome all those people to the special opening."

Altcar PODS project manager, Steve Hunter (Left) pictured with Formby Wood Sculptor Simon Archer who has presented this magnificent fish, wood carving sculpture for the fishing section for the Veterans, which is still yet to be built.

It is greatly appreciated the valued support that so many individuals have given towards the success of the Altcar PODS. The latest person to help is Simon Archer who has presented this magnificent wood carving of a fish. Simon Archer is the wood carving Sculptor from Formby and has donated this amazing sculpture, carved with a chainsaw to the Altcar Pods. It will be placed at the entrance to the jetty, which is yet to be built, for the Veterans to fish there.

As you can see, your support is still vital to this on-going project.