The Trust is always looking for ways of improving the services it provides to its visitors, and to find new income streams to help fund its conservation work. For this reason, and given the increase in corporate enquiries over recent years, it was decided last winter to plan a major investment into the building that was formerly our Study Centre. This would turn the building into a purpose built corporate facility.

Plans were drawn up and budgets set and, during the winter of 2007, work began. An extension was built onto the existing building to house toilets, a kitchen and a lift to allow access to the upper floor. A balcony was constructed to allow guests to take drinks and meals outside whilst watching our flying displays, and the lower room was pine clad and a new floor fitted. Thanks to a kind donation from our corporate sponsors Festo, new meeting room tables and chairs were obtained and state of the art meeting room equipment fitted. In the summer of 2008, once final fittings were made, including the lift installation, plans began for a launch party to celebrate the opening of the new corporate facility now named the Griffon Rooms.

An opening date of the 1st October was set, and invitations were sent out to local dignitaries and business leaders. The event was sponsored by our corporate supporter Festo. A selection of food from our corporate menu was served during the evening, and guests were welcomed with a glass of champagne. Throughout the evening a film depicting the work of the Trust was displayed. A meeting room table was also set up to show guests how the room could be used, and a large number of corporate packs were available for guests.

Although the sun was shining, it was a cold and blustery day. More than sixty guests attended the event and Trust staff and Trustees were kept busy showing guests the facility and discussing how the Trust could meet their business needs. Ashley seemed to enjoy insisting that everyone take a ride with him in the lift to demonstrate how accessible the building is. All guests had the opportunity to fly a Harris Hawk from the balcony, before everyone made their way to the lower flying grounds. Here they were welcomed by Trustee Chris Packham, who talked about this great new adventure for the Trust, before they enjoyed a slightly chilly flying display. Everyone was glad of the tea and coffee provided when they re-entered the building.

The evening was hailed a great success, with a great many enquiries regarding future corporate events at the Trust and we received a large number of letters and emails expressing how much people enjoyed the evening.

It was a great start to this new venture which has already proved so popular this season. We hope that its use will continue to grow, both as a corporate venue and for private celebrations.

The opening party in pictures
Champagne being enjoyed by all	Networking in the new Griffon Rooms	Flying the Harris Hawk from the balcony
A slightly wind-blown Ashley and Trustee Chris Packham opening the venue	Deputy Mayor of Test Valley, Ian Hibberd and County Councillor Pam Mutton with Harris Hawk Clare	Andy, Ashley and Mark Hemmings from corporate sponsor Festo relaxing at the end of the evening
	Getting close to the birds
Food from our corporate menu was served during the evening, including this unusual take on sausage and mash.	A chilly flying display	The upper floor room of the corporate venue, 'The Eyrie'