Project to refresh use of Tricia’s Pavilion in Ellesmere

Tricia’s Pavilion in Cremorne Gardens, Ellesmere was donated to the town in 1954 and dedicated to the memory of Joan Patricia Needham who passed away at the age of 25.

Tricia Needham, as she was known, was a happy young lady who gave her time to support local youth groups and the Barnyard Dancing Club. 

Following her death friends and family set about raising funds for play equipment and the pavilion.

Over the years Tricia’s Pavilion has been used as a changing area for the paddling pool, a mothers’ room and a rest room.  Having recently replaced and modernised the play area, Ann Hartley, local Shropshire Councillor for Ellesmere Urban, set about looking for an appropriate group to use the pavilion for youth-related activities.

Friends of the Mere came forward with a suggestion to utilise the building as part of their Mere educational tours.  School visits take place at The Mere on a regular basis and the Pavilion will be used for small groups to store their outdoor clothing and receive information prior to the tour.

Councillor Ann Hartley said:

“I am delighted that Friends of the Mere are going to take over the building and bring it back into use.  They have raised funds to do some minor repairs and have some really good ideas for future activities.  This is a really excellent example of how Local Joint Committee funding can be utilised to solve local issues.  The play area is a popular family spot,  and I am sure that some innovative uses for Tricia’s Pavilion will be developed.”    

For further details of how to get involved in the Friends of the Mere group please contact Mike Fisher on 01691 624002.