MAY I please remind all those people with a fondness or a link to Berry Hill and Christchurch what a special day this Saturday, April 30, will be for the area.

To celebrate the official opening of the Berry Hill Community Orchard on Nine Wells there will be events going on throughout the village all day from 10am.

These events are all advertised locally and it’s fair to say there is something for everyone.

Among these events are a bake-off, art displays and a history of the mining heritage of the area from our very own local sage and historian John Belcher.

It all culminates in an “open mic” event for bands and performers at Berry Hill Rugby club in the evening.

A great many local groups have come together to help with this project: schools, churches, halls and local community members have worked tirelessly to create something very special that is and will always be open to all, no matter where you are from.

So many local business and organisations have supported the project with donations, grants or skills and they are all to be very publicly thanked.

At a time when there is so much gloom and despondency, when its easy to just look after your own and where all around us seems to be worry and concern, something so very positive has been delivered.

So on Saturday from 10am come to Berry Hill and Christchurch. Come and see what this community has achieved, walk around the orchard, enjoy the art, follow the trails, eat in our pubs and restaurants, visit our local business, learn about the area’s history, dance to the bands and enjoy the day and the evening.

– Cllr Tim Gwilliam, Berry Hill.