THE rejuvenation of the gardens at Culcheth Village Library has been celebrated at a special community event.
Culcheth High School headteacher Chris Hunt and Matthew and Helen Bent of Bents Garden and Home spoke to guests, while young people from Culcheth High and Newchurch Primary School treated guests to music performances, including songs from Roald Dahl’s “Matilda the Musical.”
A plaque was unveiled, in appreciation of everyone who contributed to the project’s success.
It was in November 2023, that the library building was re-opened following a £400,000 refurbishment. Since then, the Friends of Culcheth Library, with support from the community, have led a number of projects and fundraising events to improve the library’s outdoor space.
The collective effort has culminated in a stunning garden makeover, creating a vibrant and welcoming environment for all.
Key contributions to the garden’s transformation have come from:
• Culcheth High School who donated outdoor furniture, including durable tables and benches crafted from recycled plastic, providing comfortable seating for library visitors.
• Bents Garden and Home who donated specimen trees, shrubs, plants, and bulbs, which will add interest, colour and beauty to the library grounds as they become established.
Cllr Tony Higgins, Warrington Borough Council’s cabinet member for communities, culture and leisure, said: “The Culcheth Library refurbishment project has revitalized the building, offering a modern and adaptable space for people of all ages.
“I’m delighted that this is now complemented by these fantastic, new-look gardens. It’s all down to a wonderful collective effort, with a number of community partners working together to create a thriving and welcoming space for everyone to enjoy.”
Janet Evans, Co-Vice Chair of the Friends of Culcheth Library, said: “I’d like to thank our special donors and everyone else who has made donations to this project, in terms of money and time.
“As well as paying tribute to everyone involved in the project, our celebration event gave local residents and library users the opportunity to look at their newly renovated library and outdoor grounds with fresh eyes and consider how fortunate we are to have it at the centre of our community.
“It is the jewel in the crown of Warrington’s libraries and we deserve to be proud of what we have.
“We want to encourage everyone, especially our young people, to take ownership of this first-class facility. It is YOUR library, OUR library, and we need to look after it and spread the word about what a wonderful community we live in!”
