Key Trust Grant for Barton Centenary Square Project
December 2018
Friday 28th September was a bright, sunny day with the beginnings of Autumn in the air, the sort of day that most of us love. All of us except the photographer, as everyone was squinting into the sun and there were shadows everywhere, but I think you can see he still managed a good job.
This was the day many villagers and others involved in the Centenary Square Project gathered to see the ribbon cut and The Square returned to its former glory. Despite most of us moaning about the traffic disruption and chaos caused during the work, all agreed that the end result looked really good, something that would last for many years as a focus for the village and as a lasting commemoration of the centenary of the end of the first World War. It is a fitting tribute to the 37 Barton men who gave their lives for us all to live in the freedom we have today. It was appropriate that the sprightly Mrs Ruby Hall, the oldest resident in Barton under Needwood at 100, cut the ribbon of red poppies. The Square was now ready, for Armistice Sunday on 11th November.
Barton and Dunstall Key Trust were pleased to support the project with the biggest grant we have ever made, far outside our agreed maximum award and comfort zone. Trustees agreed this was a particularly significant project for the village and used their discretion for a one-off grant to cover all the paving, the new benches and lectern.
Chairman Jacqui Jones is pictured with fellow trustee Rev Andrew Ridley presenting the cheque to Alison Jones, Parish Councillor. They are also admiring the benches and lectern with trustee, Margaret Fitchett and chairman of the Parish Council, Sue van Daesdonk.