The village hall Seurala in Pojanluoma, located in Ilmajoki, has undergone several renovations in the last five years.
During 2021–2023, the Seurala 2020 project was implemented at the village hall. An extension was built to the house, where new toilets were placed. The kitchen was also modernized and the heating system was changed from oil and electric heating to geothermal heating.
In 2022, it was time to focus on Seurala's old tin roof, which was renewed along with the insulation on the upper floor. At the same time, a solar energy system, i.e. solar panels, was installed on the roof.
The most recent investment was in air-source heat pumps, which were installed last fall.
All projects have been financed by the EU Rural Development Fund through Leader Liiver and the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment.
The renovations aim to ensure the village hall's survival for future generations.
There is a good team spirit and a desire to do things at Pojanluoma, which encourages development work.
– We have such a wonderful place, so we want to cherish it and take care of it, says the chairman of the Pojanluoma Society Marko Heikkilä.
According to him, the enthusiasm of those involved in the work plays an important role in the development of the village hall.
– It is important to get the positive ball rolling in the right direction.
Support plays an important role in development work
Obtaining rural funding for development work has been of paramount importance, as Seurala's annual turnover is 10,000–15,000 euros.
– We work hard on our own during the year and that allows us to maintain everything and take care of the bills. However, if there are larger investments, we wouldn't be able to afford them without financing.
In the future, operations are being developed through an electronic booking system.
– We want to get to the modern era, so to speak. The amount of work could be reduced by automating the system. It would also make it easier for customers to rent space.
In addition, the aim is to develop the environment of Seurala so that it serves users better. This summer, we plan to invest in the repair of the athletics field in the courtyard of the village hall.
– They organize athletics competitions for four to five young children in the summer. There have been 50–60 little children running or participating in other sports right now, Heikkilä laughs.
Aiming for carbon neutrality
The goal of the Pojanluoma Society is to make Seurala a completely carbon-neutral party venue in the future.
“That's why we stopped using oil for heating,” Heikkilä says.
The development work made possible by rural financing has also helped achieve savings.
Before the heating system was renewed, the village association was horrified by oil bills of 3,000 euros. Now the total electricity consumption per year has been around 4,000 euros.
– The savings in heating costs have been approximately 40 percent, Heikkilä estimates.
Most of the house's electricity also currently comes from solar panels installed on the roof.
– At some point, we would like to have more of them so that we can produce as much electricity as is used.