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.