A local developer is providing funds to support a half-term project at a neighbourhood church where children and families will be able to get bird feeders and seeds for growing sunflowers, runner beans and cress.
Deeley Construction, as a local Coventry-based contractor, was keen to offer some support to the local community to help fund an ‘eco’ feature at St John the Divine Church in Willenhall.
Coventry City Council put Deeley - which is celebrating its 85th anniversary, in touch with St John the Divine Church in Willenhall.
The firm donated £250 towards St John’s half-term school holiday’s ‘messy church’ project, taking place this week.
The ‘messy church’ includes eco-biodiversity-based crafts for families to take part in, such as creating bird feeders, growing sunflowers, runner beans and cress.
Each school holiday, the Church has been running events, with an average of 450-500 meals being provided per session - particularly during the pandemic.
The church partners with other local organisations including the Family Hub, Hagard Centre, Library and Betty Ennis Foundation to provide support to the Willenhall community.
Vicar, Rev Pam Howell, and Curate, Rev Charlotte Jackson both of St John the Divine, were delighted at the offer of support, and said: “These events are only possible through the support of grant funding and donations for which the church and community are very grateful. There is always a very positive response from the families to what is on offer.”
Edward Hudson, Deeley Construction’s Business Development Manager, said: “St John the Divine and the City Council are clearly doing a great job not only supporting the community by providing some great half term entertainment, but also creating interest in the environment and the food chain so we were only too happy to help.
“Our work with St John the Divine is just one element of the community engagement we have undertaken during the construction at a local project.
“Using a local contractor greatly benefits local communities – on the local project 21 per cent of the budget has been committed to social value in the local community.”
Cllr John Mutton, Councillor for Binley and Willenhall, said: “It’s fantastic to see the backing from Deeley. The church plays an important role in supporting people here in our local community, and it has been throughout the pandemic, and this has been greatly appreciated by the community.
Cllr David Welsh, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, added: “I’ve visited various community venues across the city during the pandemic where venues like St John the Divine Church have been playing a crucial part in providing food and other support to those people who need it most.
“The gesture from Deeley is helping people when it matters most and is an example of how business can play an active and positive role in communities. I encourage other businesses to get involved by contacting the Council to see how they could support the good work going on in Coventry. A big thank you to everyone involved.”
PICTURE CAPTION: Sowmya Bharathiraja and Hashini Bharathiraya are pictured with (left to right) Pam Howell (Vicar), Councillor Ram Lakha, Councillor John Mutton, Charlotte Jackson (Curate), Councillor David Welsh, Sarah Gristwood (Coventry City Council), Edward Hudson (Deeley).