OPENING OF THE CLAVERING INFORMATION CENTRE
20th November 2014
A redundant phone box at the Skeins Way/Pelham Road junction in Clavering, has got a new lease of life as a village Information Kiosk together with a Junior Book Exchange.
Jack Livings, age 93, known as 'Mr Clavering', did the honours in cutting the tape to declare the box open, commenting how this little box could tell many stories of conversations that took place there since its arrival in the 1930s. He recalled using it himself as a young man to call the midwife when his wife Olwen's baby was on the way - accompanying Jack to the box opening was his daughter who had been that baby!
Also present were pupils from Clavering School who were able to bring a book and take a book from the children's library now housed in the box. They then went back to school to tell the other children about the new facility. Later in the day an even younger visitor, three-year-old Harley Davis became the first pre-school user of the book exchange, choosing 'The Gruffalo' and leaving one of his own books in return.
After Jack had cut the tape, Mrs Jacky Cooper representing the Clavering Phone Box Group which had saved the box, thanked the parish council for restoring it and explained how it would work as a resource for information on village events, amenities, clubs, businesses, history and nature.
Following the opening, attended by about 50 villagers, refreshments were provided at Piercewebbs, Pelham Road by Mrs Judith William-Powlett of the Phone Box Group
20th November 2014
A redundant phone box at the Skeins Way/Pelham Road junction in Clavering, has got a new lease of life as a village Information Kiosk together with a Junior Book Exchange.
Jack Livings, age 93, known as 'Mr Clavering', did the honours in cutting the tape to declare the box open, commenting how this little box could tell many stories of conversations that took place there since its arrival in the 1930s. He recalled using it himself as a young man to call the midwife when his wife Olwen's baby was on the way - accompanying Jack to the box opening was his daughter who had been that baby!
Also present were pupils from Clavering School who were able to bring a book and take a book from the children's library now housed in the box. They then went back to school to tell the other children about the new facility. Later in the day an even younger visitor, three-year-old Harley Davis became the first pre-school user of the book exchange, choosing 'The Gruffalo' and leaving one of his own books in return.
After Jack had cut the tape, Mrs Jacky Cooper representing the Clavering Phone Box Group which had saved the box, thanked the parish council for restoring it and explained how it would work as a resource for information on village events, amenities, clubs, businesses, history and nature.
Following the opening, attended by about 50 villagers, refreshments were provided at Piercewebbs, Pelham Road by Mrs Judith William-Powlett of the Phone Box Group
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Redundant phone box at Skeins Way, Clavering – as it was before restoration, after painting, and in finished state with new glass and CLAVERING INFORMATION signs, and the crown newly-gilded.
The final phase was the fitting of internal shelving so that it can be used as a Parish Information resource with folders of useful contacts, local leaflets and a parish map, while the lower shelves will form Junior Book Exchange for children to use – bring and book and take another one.
The restoration was a joint project between Clavering Parish Council and the Clavering Phone Box volunteers’ group, who have undertaken to keep it clean and tidy.
The official opening of the new facility takes place at 11 am on Thursday 20 November – all welcome!
The final phase was the fitting of internal shelving so that it can be used as a Parish Information resource with folders of useful contacts, local leaflets and a parish map, while the lower shelves will form Junior Book Exchange for children to use – bring and book and take another one.
The restoration was a joint project between Clavering Parish Council and the Clavering Phone Box volunteers’ group, who have undertaken to keep it clean and tidy.
The official opening of the new facility takes place at 11 am on Thursday 20 November – all welcome!