A NUMBER of significant improvements are taking place at the Cheshunt Hall, helping the historic building adapt with the times and maintain its role as the hub of the rural community.

The hall was the recipient of a $5456 community grant last year from the Rural City of Wangaratta, which it used to replace all existing windows with safety glass.

Council also assisted with the connection of WIFI to the hall for use in emergencies when the hall is called upon to be a Neighbourhood Place of Last Resort.

Another change which is having significant impact is the addition of a solar PV system courtesy of the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning's 2021 Solar on Public Buildings program.

It includes an energy monitoring system integrated into the design to manage solar system performance in real time.

Committee president Lyn Lewis said the solar system had made a big difference to the running costs of the hall, saving a considerable sum.

She thanked Amy Northwood for her assistance in putting the grant application together – the initiative a dual effort between the hall committee and Sustainable King Valley.

"We are delighted with all the improvements that have been taking place," she said.

"Our little hall is getting rejuvenated which is lovely after COVID when we were really pushed to the wall.

"During COVID we were getting power bills of around $400 and $500 each time – and the last bill was $56 – so that has been amazing."

Lyn said local resident Julie Rose had recently added some colour to the black box surrounding the solar system's regulator located inside the hall, creating a beautiful mural.

She said the transformation of the hall's storage area, which was once a supper room when dances were held there, has also made a big difference to the facility – the room now home to the King Valley Food Hub which celebrated its official opening last month.

"I love what Sustainable King Valley have created there – it's beautiful and they should be really proud of themselves," she said.

The hub is being run as an outlet or 'shop', open on the first and third Saturdays of the month, where people can purchase local and bulk food at cost price by filling their own containers, thereby reducing their reliance on packaging.

It is run by volunteers and open to the public from 10.30am to 12.30pm, but it also a place where locals can connect and a venue for workshops on different aspects of sustainable living.

The Cheshunt Hall also hosts craft days on the first and third Wednesdays of the month, yoga classes, a community church service once a month and has some music gigs coming up.

With plans to upgrade the toilet facilities and major streetscape works set to take place in the township later in the year, it seems Cheshunt and it's hall have a bright future.

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King Valley in brief

Myrrhee bulb fundraiser

SUPPORT local children and add some colour to the garden by taking part in Myrrhee School's 2022 bulb fundraiser.

Choose from a wide range of bulbs, all supplied direct to purchasers by Tesselaars, with the school receiving 40 per cent of total sales.

The funds will go towards the purchase of specialised reading books for students and orders can be placed online at www.bulbfundraiser.com.au/MYRRHEEPS until Friday.

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Bishop Clarence to visit

EASTER church services in the King Valley are at All Saints Anglican Church in Byrne Street, Moyhu on Easter Sunday at 9.30am, and at Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Whitfield on Easter Sunday at 11am.

Bishop Clarence will spend the morning in the valley and lead the services with all welcome to attend.

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Moyhu Easter market

ENJOY Easter entertainment at the next Moyhu Country Market which will be held at the Lions Park on Saturday, April 16.

There will be a traditional Easter bonnet parade at 10.30am and also a children's Easter scavenger hunt.

Browse a wide range of stalls with refreshments available including egg and bacon rolls and freshly brewed coffee from 8am until 12pm.

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Whitfield trash and treasure

THE trash and treasure outlet at the King Valley Community Memorial Hall will be open on Easter Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 3pm (cash only) with funds raised supporting the community facility.

For more details all 5729 8487 with the outlet closed on Saturday, April 23.

An ANZAC day dawn service will be held at the hall on Monday, April 25 at 6am with catering provided by the King Valley CWA.

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Moyhu community meal

THE next Moyhu community meal will be held at the Moyhu Soldiers Memorial Hall on Wednesday, April 20 from 12pm.

RSVP is essential one week before meal date to Neil Jarrott on 5727 9464 or email neil.jarrott@bigpond.com.

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Outdoor movie screening in Whitfield

A FAMILY movie night will be held at the Whitfield Recreation Reserve on Saturday, April 23.

The free community event will include a screening of "Clifford the Big Red Dog" with food and drinks available to purchase including barbecue by the King River and District Fishing Club and fresh popcorn.

Bring family, friends, blankets and lawn chairs with the event starting at 5.30pm and movie to begin at dusk.

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