The Mayor of Waverley, Councillor Penny Rivers, was joined by Waverley Borough Council staff and leading housebuilder Thakeham yesterday to celebrate the achievements of students from local education charity Skillway, who have crafted a new bench and metal tree plaques for the Eashing Cemetery community garden at Ockford Ridge.
The new bench is beautifully positioned so people visiting the garden can sit still for a moment and reflect. It has been crafted by student Miles with support from Skillway staff as part of the community benefit project associated with the new housing development at Ockford Ridge. The bench and the metal tree plaques for the newly planted community orchards are a perfect addition to the community space.
Prior to the grand unveiling, Thakeham, who have so far delivered 54 new sustainable homes for Waverley Borough Council, offered the Skillway students a tour of Ockford Ridge Site C – an operational building site where 30 new net zero in operation homes are currently being built. The students then joined the Mayor of Waverley and Councillor Paul Rivers, Co-Portfolio Holder for Housing Operations and Services to unveil the bench and plaques and celebrate the workmanship.
Sarah Crush, Social Value Manager at Thakeham, said: “Community is at the heart of what we do. As a business, we are committed to building projects that support future generations, and to helping equip young people with the skills they need to enjoy a fulfilling career in the construction industry. Skillway promote these vital skills, and we are pleased to support its mission through community benefit funding as well as through practical site visits for students.”
The Mayor of Waverley, Councillor Penny Rivers, said: “Benches are a mark – a benchmark - of a good community. This one certainly is. Benches are for all and allow us to sit, rest and just be. Thanks to Thakeham for the wood and Skillway for the carpentry, especially to Miles. This is great cooperation and shows that we can do so much more when we work together”.
Skillway General Manager, Greg Bleach, said: “We strive to create opportunities for young people, aiming to instil a work ethic and demonstrate that there are a variety of paths in life. Many of our students go on to college or work with renewed confidence in their skills and we’re very proud of their recent work within our local community”.
Godalming Town Council continue to invest in the development and maintenance of Eashing Cemetery, and this Skillway project helps support that.