It is great to see a red telephone box in its original position on Upper Green! This is thanks to the latest project of Ickleford Parish Council, whose Councillors were keen to see a classic kiosk reinstated in Ickleford. The Parish Council funded the telephone box after Ickleford resident Samantha James was inspired by book exchanges she had seen in surrounding villages and approached Chairman of the Parish Council Ray Blake at the beginning of the year with her idea for a little library to be set up for all residents.
The two ideas were combined; Samantha collected donations from local residents to pay for the shelving, which was installed by another resident of the village, and the telephone box project, led by Councillor Colin Thurstance and Clerk Judith Crosier, assisted by a generous donation from District Councillor David Barnard, came to fruition on Saturday at the Grand Opening.
Councillor Blake officially declared the book exchange open at the village event, which saw over two hundred residents turn out in the sunshine, and he thanked a number of local residents and businesses who had contributed to the day. The Old George very generously supplied complimentary food and drink and the Ickle Café were on hand for hot drinks and food. There was live music, thanks to Graham Ellis who offered his time to play guitar and sing at the event. Tim Hunter from the Lavender Farm provided lavender to hang inside the kiosk; William and John Crosse laid all the foundations for the kiosk; and Kim Keeping from The Haberdashery in Hitchin lent the scissors for cutting the ribbon. Councillor Blake also thanked resident Stephanie Woodhead who will be helping to manage the book donations with Samantha, who said that her ultimate aim is that it becomes a self-run venture based on trust. The Chairman added: “This is an exciting new venture for our village, and I hope it gives many years of enjoyment to all our residents.”
Residents, and school children who attend Ickleford School but who are not residents, are all very welcome to borrow or swap books at any time. The Parish Council asks that if you are leaving one of your own books in place of one that you have borrowed, it is in good and clean condition; and please do not leave boxes of books outside or inside the kiosk. Please enjoy your new book exchange!
Chairman of the Parish Council Ray Blake performing the opening ceremony: video courtesy of Kathy Goldie
Great scheme –thank you and well done to all involved!
Is there a contact for donating books? I have several.
Hi John, thank you – residents have been very generous and more than enough books have been donated, so at the moment no donations are being taken. However, please feel free to leave one of your books if you borrow one or if you see any gaps that need filling. Thank you again!