IDEAS for the future of Finchingfield s Grade One listed buildings have been sought from some of the youngest residents in the town. Children and teachers of the village s Church of England primary school were approached by the Finchingfield Almshouse Tru

IDEAS for the future of Finchingfield's Grade One listed buildings have been sought from some of the youngest residents in the town.

Children and teachers of the village's Church of England primary school were approached by the Finchingfield Almshouse Trust, which is in charge of looking after the historic 15th century Guildhall on Church Hill in the village.

Children aged between seven and 11 from the school's More Able Group have been investigating the Guildhall's history, as well as carrying out measurements on site, studying current plans, and asking villagers for their opinions on what it should be used for in the future.

Head teacher Paula Hagan said: "This has been a fabulous opportunity for the pupils in this group to be challenged out of their academic comfort zone and develop a deeper knowledge of the world beyond school.

"They've also been able to get actively involved with the decision-making process, by speaking to the parish council and investigating the materials and resources needed for the building's renovation."

Jackie Bargman, Guildhall trustee, said: "This project is all part of our consultation with the wider community into how our beautiful Guildhall can be restored.

"We're lucky that the village has such an excellent school, actively willing to help us. After all, it's the local children who will inherit the results of the decisions we make today."

The results of the More Able Group's thoughts and findings will be on display for visitors to view at the Vicarage Road based school's open days later this month.

"Our open days will also be a chance for everyone to find out more about the school's provision for children as well as seeing the progress of our new school hall, which is due to be completed by the end of the year," added Mrs Hagan.

The Guildhall was built for the Guild of the Holy Trinity and has a distinctive timber archway which goes through from the road to the churchyard behind it.

It is surrounded by several other historic buildings including the Church of St. John the Baptist with its Norman doorway in the tower which stands in the church yard and also the 15th century Red Lion Inn which stands a couple of dozen yards further up the hill.

For more information about the Finchingfield Almshouse Trust, is available by contacting Jackie Bargman on 01371 810525.