Derelict pavilion given fresh look

VOLUNTEERS from the Prince's Trust proved more than a match for layers of muck and mud inside a derelict pavilion at Dover Boys' Grammar School. The seven-strong Dover team has completely transformed the building inside. It is now bright, clean and welcoming for use by the school's Combined Cadet Force (CCF). Volunteers tackled the disused pavilion for their community project on the 12-week Prince's Trust programme. They planned and acquired materials and then set about revamping-the building.

The result is a spick and span leisure area and freshly paintd changing rooms and toilets inside the pavilion, which was originally built as a memorial to those who died, in the Second World War.

The team was headed, by Cheyenne David and Beccy Sawbridge. Ms Sawbridge said: "The team had to work really hard. It was derelict, dirty and unusable, complete with mould and mud. They have done a lot of scrubbing - just cleaning the floor took a whole day".

The team, consisted of Bryn Watkins, Steve Walters, Luke Brown, Matt Johnson, Westley Croasdale; Kim Harwood and Jamie Twyman.

The Prince's Trust is renting one of the old CCF huts in the school grounds because their previous base in the former YMCA building at Prince of Wales House is not available.

The Trust's volunteer programme enables young people, aged 18-25, to develop self-esteem, and confidence through a series of challenges and projects.

They do this through working as a team in the community. Their achievements provide a springboard into work training or education. Volunteers build a portfolio, culminating in a City and Guilds profile of achievement. So far 230 young people have completed the programme in Kent.

More than 70 percent have got jobs afterwards. The programmes are delivered and managed by Southern Water, which also provides the funding, along with the Learning and Skills Council. Start dates are normally January, May and September, and volunteers are sought for the next courses. Contact Soo Finn on 07867 721530.