Soldiers' makeover for hall (From Basingstoke Gazette)
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Soldiers' makeover for hall
12:00am Thursday 27th September 2012 in Andover
SOLDIERS from 32 Regiment Royal Artillery gave up their free time to repaint the landmark Landale Wilson hall in the village of Enham Alamein in time for the 70th anniversary commemorations of the Battle of El Alamein next month.
“It’s important to us to forge links with the community,”
said Sgt Gareth Bezant, who organised the volunteering event with Cpl Robert Westwood. “We have a strong association with the Enham Trust charity, who asked for our help with renovating the exterior of the hall.”
The Landale Wilson Hall was opened by the Prince of Wales in 1926 and is still a focal point for community activities in the village.
The 25 Salisbury Plainbased REME soldiers volunteered each day over the weekend, working so efficiently that they also managed to spruce up the thatched bus shelter.
“They give us such invaluable support,” said Jo Young, Enham Trust’s volunteer programme manager. “They committed their own time for two days.
“It was a superb effort and we’re so grateful. It’s going to look so smart for the commemoration events.”
Several El Alamein battle veterans are attending a special commemoration service – part of a weekend of 1940sthemed events organised by the Enham Trust charity on October 20 and 21 October.
