Village children leave messages for the future

CHILDREN have left messages for future generations as part of a major scheme to refurbish a village hall.
The youngsters at Whitley Community Preschool have written messages and their names on the back of tiles being used to re-roof Whitley Village Hall.
They won’t be seen again until at least 2050 – and hopefully even later.
Eight weeks into the restoration project, the village hall has been transformed – thanks to contractors Urban Building Projects, a good spell of weather and some great work by the local team.
Most of the external work has now been completed and attention has now switched to the inside.
During the whole process the preschool has been camped in the unaffected part of the building, waiting for their new home to be completed.
Carl Palmer, managing director of Urban, was keen to minimise the impact on the preschool and the wider community.
The “roof slate signing” took place in December, as the new slates replace the old and deteriorating asbestos roof.
The project has been made possible tanks to significant contributions from funding bodies WREN and Biffa Award as well as the local parish councils of Dutton and Whitley.
In addition to the new roof, the main hall and storage areas are being refurbished.
Steve Moore, chairman of Whitley Village Hall Committee, has been amazed at the pace of the work.
He said: “We have been delighted with the progress made and the way many people in the village have taken time to stop by and see how things are going.
“I have no doubt this project will provide a real boost to the people of Whitley. We are hoping to welcome back our numerous community groups in February ready for the year ahead”.
Richard Smith, WREN’s grant manager for Cheshire, said: “I think everyone is surprised how well the work has progressed. We are delighted to be supporting this essential project to replace the roof and look forward to it benefitting community groups for years to come”.
Gillian French, head of grants at Biffa Award added: “We are delighted at how the work is progressing and the positive engagement with the local community and particularly Whitley Community Preschool. We look forward to the full completion of the work in the weeks to come and being able to visit a modern, safe and welcoming environment for all. It is clear that with Landfill Communities funding we have been able to provide vital support that will ensure this place is well-loved and well-used for many years to come”.
Mr Moore said the village hall committee were grateful to key suppliers who had discounted their products and services to help the work progress. Forticrete Ltd and Cheshire Roofing Supplies (roof tiles): and Stelrad Ltd and City Plumbing Ltd (radiators) had all been extremely helpful.