Stamford Homes gives Castor village funds a boost

An appeal to renovate one of the area’s best-used Peterborough village halls has received a cash boost from new homes builder Stamford Homes.

With plans for an exciting new homes project in the village of Castor, Stamford Homes has generously offered something back to help the community.

A cheque for £2,000 towards the much-needed works at the village hall – used by residents in Castor, Ailsworth and the surrounding villages – was handed by Stamford Homes connections manager Jo Beardsley-Morris.

The hall is a Listed Building which dates back to the 1800s, and a £11,500 appeal to renovate part of it was launched early this year.

A number of fundraising events are already in the pipeline.

The hall provides a local venue for celebrations and parties, as well as community events, a practice venue for two local bands and a meeting place for many other groups.

Jo said: “We are delighted to be able to offer something back to the community, and the village hall being the hub of the village seemed the obvious choice.

“We have already received a warm welcome from the community and will continue to work closely with the parish council and local planners to ensure that the sensitive needs of the area are taken into account.”

John Morris, Chairman Castor & Ailsworth Village Hall Management Committee said: ''It's fantastic to be receiving such a generous donation of £2,000 from Stamford Homes towards our village hall refurbishment programme.

“The village hall has needed a lot of updating and this is the third major project in as many years. Although as a village we’re normally very good at raising funds, this stretched our budget to the limit, until this unexpected bonus form Stamford Homes.

“Our village hall is loved by village residents and is heavily used by many groups. We hope that the new occupants of the Stamford Homes development currently being built will join us at the many village events that the hall hosts throughout the year and contribute to our vibrant community.”

Stamford Homes’ prestigious Drover’s Mead development will be the first major housing project the village of Castor has seen for many years.

Contracts were exchanged earlier this year for the 24-home scheme on Clay Lane, in what will be a two-year project for the village worth around £9 million.

Drover’s Mead is a joint venture with the former land owners The Homes and Communities Agency, and will include a mixture of much-needed affordable housing, together with luxury four and five-bedroom private homes.

The first seven homes have already been sold following huge interest from customers who queued from the early hours to secure their preferred home during a recent launch.

A show home is due to be completed at this sought-after location at the end of this year, with the first new homes ready for occupation in Summer 2011.