PAVILION
The Borough Green Recreation Ground Pavilion
The Pavilion, as described in "DIY Village" was built in the 50s by volunteers. Not only is it our War Memorial, but it is a tribute to the Volunteer Ethic that still exists today. It is held in trust for the Village by the Parish Council, who had sadly let it deteriorate and decay, the final ignominy being their plans in 2003 to demolish it, prevented by a public outcry.
But at long last work on a complete refurbishment is underway. I would have preferred to see a more community oriented rebuild using small local builders assisted by volunteers, but that wasn't to be, but the important thing is that our cherished pavilion is being done.
The Kids Care
In 2003, young people from Da Joint decided to spruce the place up a bit in preparation for the Summer Fete, and as a thankyou for the community's gift of their new Drop-in Centre.
New Roof
In 2004, after months of pressure from residents, the Parish Council decided to shoulder its responsibility, and to get the roof repaired, which had been smashed in 1999.
Parish Council Pavilion Project
The refurbishment undertaken by Simmonds of Wrotham. Both end extensions are being re-roofed.
New ceiling in the old shower room, now the officials changing room. All the rear windows have now been bricked up.
Early Days
Pictured above, courtesy of Ian Bangay's photo website, are some of the local volunteers, resting from their labours.Seated on the left at the top of the steps is Big Jim Allingham, who lived in Hillview until his sad death last year.
The Pavilion is a treasure that we must preserve. It says more about Borough Green and its people than words ever can. On an early summer morning, with the sun just rising over the woods, and falling on the Pavilion and the surrounding stand of mature trees in full summer leaf, it truly is a Diamond in an engagement ring.