Dash of colour in garden (From Gazette Series)

Dash of colour in garden

A PLAN to add a touch of colour and beauty to Stone and District Village Hall - and involve youngsters in the project has been completed thanks to a cash grant.

The money came from the Gannett Foundation, the charitable arm of US publisher Gannett, owner of Newsquest, to which the Gazette belongs.

The hall management committee was keen to plant an area of garden in front of the hall with shrubs and perennial plants at a cost of £280..

And it liaised with Stone-with-Woodford Playgroup, one of the users of the premises, to involve children to encourage them to take an interest in the area and the environment generally.

The scheme has also included installation of a butt to collect rainwater from the roof of the the hall to use on the garden.

Treasurer Valerie Wall said: " Any publicity the project generates will, we hope, encourage people to respect the area and discourage vandalism. By utilising rainwater we are showing concern for water conservation. A carefully planned and well-tended garden will give pleasure to many."

The village hall group has been going since the 1950s and has worked hard in recent years to upgrade and improve the premises and facilities, which provide a valuable resource for the community and a venue for many village activities.

Other users include a yoga group, bowls club, WI, senior citizens' group and Woodford Silver Band. The hall is also available for private hire for meetings and parties.