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Redeveloped Avice Hill Craft Centre a community asset
In 1988, the late Avice Hill gave the house and land at 395
Memorial Avenue to the city. She asked that it be used to
offer art, craft, educational and cultural opportunities to
benefit the community. Since 1989, the City Council has managed
and maintained the property as a reserve and
arts and craft centre. The reserve has also
provided a base for the Canterbury Potters
Association and the Canterbury Herb Society. In 2000, the decision was made to upgrade
and enhance both the grounds and the craft
centre, which had been Avice and Frank Hill’s
home. In a partnership between the
Council’s Fendalton/Waimairi Community
Board and its Parks and Waterways Unit,
plans were drawn up to enhance the reserve
and its frontage, while the craft centre was
expanded into the residential portion of the
old Hill residence. Work has begun, with a new entrance and walkway
formed into the grounds. During the next few months,
work will be carried out to improve access and enhance
the landscaping in the reserve. The craft centre has been refurbished. It now has a small
meeting room, the craft room and an activities studio, with
an adjoining kitchen and a craft prep area. Much-needed
storage space has also been provided. The new facilities give local community groups a
comfortable venue in attractive surroundings for activities
that range from crafts to educational programmes, group
discussions and community meetings. Sharing the grounds are the Canterbury
Potters Association and the Herb Society, of
which Avice Hill was an avid supporter and
member. The potters have a stand-alone
studio and the Herb Society carries on with
Avice Hill’s original herb garden while based in
the adjacent herb administration facilities. The Avice Hill Craft Centre will now fully
reflect Avice Hill’s dream of being a special
place for people to relax under the magnificent
trees in the reserve and take part in the
community programmes being offered. Organisations or individuals looking to establish
community programmes or activities and be based at the
popular Avice Hill Craft Centre are welcome to inspect the
facility. The facilities are well serviced and cosy. For more
information, including rental details, please phone 941 6731. Applications to hire the facilities can be made in writing to
the Community Advocate, Christchurch City Council, PO
Box 29,183 Fendalton. |