A MUCH-used dale village hall has been given a makeover which also enabled students to gain much-needed work experience.
Ingleton Village Hall had been in need of a spruce up for some time, but discussions were put on hold due to the pandemic.
However, after committee members read of the transformation at a neighbouring village’s community venue carried out by Trades4Care, a scheme that provides young people with valuable experience in the work place, they got in touch.
Ingleton Village Hall committee member, Melanie Ingleson said: “I have a friend from Winston and when we saw what Trades4Care had done there, we thought that was a good idea for us, especially as it helps the young people.
“It is lovely the way they are encouraging all the young people.”
Work to redecorate the main hall, entrance and toilets, including all the wood work and radiators, took just over a week to complete.
Ms Ingleson added: “We decided to keep the same colours as we had before, but it has definitely brightened the place up.
“It had needed doing for a couple of years.”
Current trainees, apprentices, attendees from the Bridge Creative Centre and former Bishop Auckland College students all pitched in to help with the work.
Co-founder of Trades4Care Charlie Wright, said: “It was through the Teesdale Mercury that we got the job as they read about what we had done at Winston and Copley village halls.
“We used the Dulux community paint scheme again which has saved money for them.
“It’s great that community venues are engaging with us and they are really getting on board with what we are trying to achieve.”
In addition to the trainees and apprentices, two former Bishop Auckland students who have yet to find employment also volunteered to complete the transformation.
Mr Wright added: “David Ross and Luke Moore have been unable to secure employment and asked if they could come and help, which is great to see they have that initiative.
“We have put them in touch with Durham Enable and hopefully they will be able to secure successful placements for them both as these are two great lads and they just want to be given a chance.
“This is our last big project of the year but we do have another big project lined up for 2023.”
In the new year the Trades4Care team will be redecorating the Methodist Church Hall, in Barnard Castle. For more information about the scheme, visit www. trades4care.co.uk.
