A TEESDALE village hall has been given a major makeover using recycled paint in just two weeks, thanks to a scheme that is giving students workplace experience.
Committee members at Winston Village Hall are “over the moon” with the work, which was carried out by Trades4Care after they read about the scheme in the Teesdale Mercury.
Annie Dolphin, hall secretary, said it had been overdue a makeover and the walls had begun to look “tatty”.
She added: “The hall gets used just about every day of the week and it was looking a bit tired.
“The last time it was decorated was in 2011, it was all done by volunteers, so it wasn’t a professional job.
“We read an article in the Teesdale Mercury about Trades4Care and the work they had done at Stainton Village Hall, so we got in touch.”
Charlie Wright, co-founder of Trades4Care, along with decorator Nigel Stevens, three students and two apprentices spent a fortnight transforming the entire interior of the community venue.
Garish pink skirting boards have been lightened and the dark black pitched ceiling in the main hall has been turned a more contemporary grey, with the walls throughout now a bright, clean magnolia.
The Trades4Care team committee were able to make a major saving on the cost of paint for the redecoration using the Dulux Community Paint Scheme.
Ms Dolphin added: “It is such a great organisation and we’re over the moon about the work and using the recycled paint meant we saved quite a lot of money.”
Since launching the scheme three years ago Mr Wright said it has gone from strength to strength.
“Work has been carried
out on community venues including Copley Village Hall as well as Raby Estates properties.
Mr Wright said: “It is going really well. We have been building it up greatly and it is getting more and more interest. We are looking to get involved with other trades as well.”
The scheme has also attracted the attention of Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Joy Allen, who popped into to see the transformation at Winston’s village hall.
She said: “Sometimes young people get a bad press but I’m so impressed by the positivity of all of them and their enthusiasm for the work they are doing.
“The opportunity to transform the village hall helps not just the community but provides invaluable experience for the youngsters.
“What they [Trades4Care] do need is good and I will be encouraging everyone to get in touch with them.
“I’m looking to see if there is any way they can come and do some work outside for us.”
