Note This article has been re-posted as the Park Web site was hacked and we had to upload a back-up copy of the web site, which unfortunately predated the original post.
Liquorice Park.
As we haven’t posted for a while here is an update on things past, present and future!
25-Year Celebration – The 25-year Park Anniversary open day was held on Sunday 29th June. A massive thankyou to all those who helped and attended. A special thankyou to Mel, for organising the event, but also to all the volunteers, performers, raffle prize doners and cake makers who made it a day to remember. Overall, with cash & PayPal donations, we raised a staggering £900 (approx.), so a big thank you to all those who donated.
Mystery Play – In July we hosted a mystery play, performed by the “A Certain Demographic”, again a fine and enjoyable afternoon, for which we were kindly donated £50.
Bee Swarm – Not sure how many noticed but we had some visitors in June, who had decided to start building a nest in one of the small bushes near the Main Western path. We requested advice from the Beekeepers Association who confirmed the position, in the bush, meant the bees would not survive the winter. This coupled with the nest being very near the path, meant we were advised that they should be moved. A local beekeeper relocated the swarm for us, and we’re pleased to say that they are now living happily in their new home near Waddington.
Allotment Shed Roof and Rain Catchment – Unfortunately the shed roof had reached a point where it was starting to fall apart. In addition the guttering and rain barrels were also damaged. We have put a new roof on and replaced the guttering. In the coming weeks we’ll hopefully see the rainwater collection fill a bit and fingers crossed we have no leaks!
Tree Management – Following concerns raised over some of our bigger trees, we arranged a visit from an Arboricultural Consultant. They recommended we adjust our management of the ivy slightly with respect to the larger boundary trees, to allow for more regular and closer inspection.
Our concern over the goat willow (near the eastern steps) was well founded as its condition has worsened since the consultant’s last visit. There is much dead wood in the area which also needs to be managed. The cutting down of the worrying goat willow trunk will need to be done by a qualified tree surgeon. If anyone has a good (minimal cost) contact we would be most appreciative.
Viewing Platform – The viewing Platform is becoming un-safe due to rot in the main supporting structure. Because of the potential safety concerns we will probably be removing the existing platform in Oct/Nov of this year. We are keeping a close check on it and will fence off access earlier, if necessary. Obviously replacement will be a big expense to the trust. We already have some monies ringfenced for this work, from earlier donations, and along with a recent additional grant from The Dawber Trust we have started looking deeper into the details of the recent quotations we’ve received for a replacement structure, which will be a simpler shape and less deep, probably in wood to keep the costs down.
We still need additional funds so any donations would be gratefully received.
Donations can be given by either via our PayPal account, or cheque/cash to one of the Trustees.
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