Friends of Broadwaters

Barr's Purple Crocuses

2011-10-28T14:38:00.000+01:00

The continuation of the Crocus planting in partnership with the Kidderminster-Husum Twinning Assoc. took place on Wednesday 26th October. We were aided in our efforts by members from other organisations such as Kidderminster Horticultural Society and Friends of Springfield Park.
Local businesses have been very generous in their support and our thanks go out to them.
In all the fifteen folk who gathered in the park to carry out the planting did so with enthusiasm despite their collective aches and pains. A pleasant sunny day raised our spirits and a great deal of chat too place while divots were raised and handfulls of bulbs were carefully placed into the dry soil.

Please click the pictures for a larger view.

The extent of the bulb planing for future reference

Ministerial visit

2011-10-20T17:25:00.000+01:00

As part of a somewhat whistlestop tour of projects in the Midlands, the minister for 'Civil Society' stopped off in Broadwaters to meet with delegates from a number of local 'Friends' groups.
A buffet lunch was put on in the Broadwaters Inn, where the minister, Nick Hurd, had opportunity to chat with representatives of the various groups.
The rather brief interlude was concluded with a photo opportunity in the park and the planting of some crocuses which forms part of the ongoing Husum Crocus project in Broadwaters Park.

Nick Hurd with members of Friends of Broadwaters and staff from WFDC Parks dept.

Nick Hurd was quite enthusiastic regarding the planting, the suggestion of which had caused a little discomfort to those organising the visit. Non the less, the minister took a hand in the planting of some 50 bulbs.

He was soon whisked away to pay a visit and give a short speech at the award winning Areley Kings Village Hall. A short question and answer session climaxed the visit and the minister was then spirited away to pastures new.

The latest edition the Bugle

2011-10-19T19:11:00.003+01:00

Click to see the large size

Thanks to Mike Abraham for producing this newsletter.

Family Gardening Day

2011-09-13T17:59:00.000+01:00

Saturday last (10th September) saw our first 'Family Gardening Day'. An idea spawned by folk who had told us they would love to help with maintaining the green things in Broadwaters Park, except for the fact that we do most of our work in the week.
So, we publicised the event and put up our small gazebo on the day for serving drinks and biscuits, and low and behold! Fifteen of our members turned out and set to work with quiet enthusiasm.
We didn't expect droves of people to come along, and it was rather late on that a keen mom and her daughter arrived and set to weeding the glade area of the park.
It was hard work and perhaps a little disappointing that not many turned out to help, but this was the first time and we have learned a lesson about publicity. We are confident that the next one will attract more participants. Anyway we had a great social time and got a mound of work done including weeding the main border, which is always a major task.

Having a well drink of squash and a chocolate biscuit!

Irene, Ursula and Stella doing the big border.

A very keen pair. They even had their own transport!

Recently joined member Martin showing how it's done.

Roy attempting to revive our Katsura. A lost cause I reckon.

Almost complete!

Praise in the Park

2011-08-22T08:42:00.000+01:00

Sunday afternoon in the park in fine weather. What could be nicer? Well a praise service, that's what. St.Oswalds and Broadwaters Methodists together with the 'Friends', shared an an hour or so of each others company and singing from the sampler of the new Methodist Hymnal.
The shared service was led by Rev, Mary Austin, and a short word was given by Rev. Rose Lawley.
Tea, cakes and puddings were served to the more than fifty enthusiastic congregation, on a thakfully warm and pleasant afternoon.
Shame about the graffiti on the wall, but thankfully it wasn't particularly offensive.

Once again.....

2011-07-25T18:50:00.000+01:00

....your park has won the prestigious award previously known as the Green Pennant. This is now called the Green Flag Award, and the friends have received a small flag and certificate to mark the good news.
It is only through the hard work of volunteers that awards such as these are possible. At times the work is hard and when vandals strike with their mindless and selfish actions, it can be very disappointing.
However, the solution as far as the 'Friends of Broadwaters' are concerned is to keep on putting it right, which of course we will.
The many compliments that 'Friends' have received over recent weeks is very heartwarming, and we are sure that this latest recognition of the power of a group of volunteers to change things, will be well received by all our wellwishers.
Well done 'Friends'

Summer Fayre

2011-07-16T21:21:00.000+01:00

The Friends took their usual spot in the park for this year's Summer Fayre. The weather, as forecast, was pretty dire worsening to monsoon levels. However the intrepid members still erected the gazebos and set up in plenty of time for the first hardy visitors to the park.
Fortunately, it wasn't too long until the sun eventually broke through and the team dried off in the warm sunshine.

The Friends main aim this year was to promote the group with the giving away of leaflets introducing the general public to the work and projects carried out by the group in its nine year history.

The purchase of a bubble machine was a great investment in attracting mainly children to our pitch, though many older folk displayed broad grins at being surrounded by hundreds of bubbles which swirled around their heads and right through the park.

In addition to the bubble machine bringing great enjoyment to the children, lollipops and bubble packs were given out and free drinks were offered to everyone who came in to look at the displays inside the gazebo.
This year the Friends of Broadwaters were delighted to welcome representatives of the newly formed neighbouring group, Friends of Springfield Park, who also put on a display of their achievements so far.

Kidderminster's mayor Anne Hingley paid an extended visit to the Friend's gazebo She expressed a keen interest in the work that the friends group carry out in Broadwaters park.
All in all a great time was had sharing with residents and visitors in the eventual sunshine.

New Mill Artwork and Plant Sale.

2011-05-14T21:52:00.006+01:00

A double whammy this year for mid May. Today was the day for the new artwork in the mill to be launched. A project sponsored by Kings Charles School in Kidderminster, which took around eighteen months of planning, came to fruition to coincide with our plant sale day. So.....................we decided to celebrate, and the hard working committee contrived to organise a marvelous day in the park. We had the excellent dancing by the the 'Foxs Border Morris Dancers' from Cookley, and a Samba band which goes by the name of 'Someone at the Door'.
The sound and colour of both teams were excellent. A happy time spent with happy people.

Our new artwork

Everyone concerned, from the headmaster, Tim Gulliver to the extremely talented students who took part in the project with such enthusiasm, should be congratulated on a fine job of work.

The staff at King Charles should feel proud in being able to encourage youngsters to display their talents in such a positive way.
Their work is a fine addition to Broadwaters Park's wide range of attractions.

The brilliantly colourful artwork takes on a whole new form after dark. The existing colour changing lighting system enhances the new graffiti style installation with a dramatic, flowing colour and tone change.
Quite spectacular!

The plant sale was a great success. The final figure isn't in yet but the general feeling was that we had sold many more plants than last year.

A planting

2011-04-28T21:48:00.001+01:00

Three months ago, the 'Friends' decided to mark the upcoming Royal Wedding with the planting of a tree in the park. Conversations as to which kind of tree were fairly consistent in that its was felt that a 'blossom' tree would be appropriate.
Research was undertaken via the internet and the choice of a native Wild Cherry was made. Further searching led to what appeared to be a good deal from Tree to my Door. In due course the tree arrived in a container inside a sturdy five tall heavy duty cardboard box. The tree looked in first class condition and promised to be an excellent addition to the park.
It was decided to make a bit of a 'thing' about the planting, and our two esteemed eldest members were invited to do the planting in time for the big day. At first we were going to plant the Cherry actually on the day of the wedding but it was felt that most folk would prefer to watch the wedding uninterrupted by a visit to the park. So the 28th of April (today) was chosen and sixteen members gathered to assist Fred and Cath Jennings to plant the tree in the chosen spot. Flags and bunting had been added to the parks buildings to dress up the event.

So, on a bright and breezy day, the planting was done in the extremely hard and bone dry soil, and a drink or two of sham Champagne was indulged in together with a slice of cake. As tired as were Fred and Cath, they enjoyed the hour or so chatting with friends and went home happily with a bouquet of appropriately coloured. red white and blue flowers.

A host of Golden Daffodils!

2011-03-23T20:50:00.000Z

The roadside display of Daffodils has returned to it's former glory following a somewhat muted display last year. Very sporadic blooming led to a very uncolourful March.
This year however, the roadside bank once again is showing off the colour of our lovely park, with an alomost continuous strip of varied yellows and whites. A most welcome sight after a particularly dismal winter.

Spring!!??

2011-03-08T16:35:00.000Z

On a gloriously sunny afternoon, an ever faithful team of the 'Friends' gathered to do some much needed work in the park. On the agenda was the removal of the not very successful willow arch. Having been planted several years ago and had a deal of work done to it since, it was decided to take it up. Fortunately, there was a small team of council workers carrying out some repairs to the mill and they offered to take away all of the plant material for us. Very fortuitous!!.

Further work was done on the 'wetland' bed, which in reality is not wet at all. It was decided by our horticultural champion Stella to remove all of the existing plants and begin again. "We need colour" she insisted. So We set to and pretty soon we had removed most of the overgrown plants and handed them over to our friendly council team to take away for us. A pleasant and sociable afternoon spent in our lovely park, with the added benefit of coffee provided by Carol.

A first of the year

2011-02-26T15:05:00.001Z

In the park yesterday we spied the first of this year's ducklings. A very robust pair they looked too. However, today there was just one. He/she seemed happy enough, and not in the least afraid of either me or the dog.
I also caught sight of a pair of Nuthatches, which is a first for me in Broadwaters Park.

Click the picture for a larger view

2011-02-10T22:41:00.000Z

One of the added benefits of the Big Lottery grant in addition to the pathways etc. was the installation of an 'Audio Post' in the park. This has various messages about the history of the park, the background to the formation of the 'Friends' group, and a short description of the wildlife to be found in the park.
It is solar powered, and after a few hiccups, has settled down into a very well used piece of information technology.

It is obviously of great interest to a wide public, as the photo of one of our member's daughter shows her to be totally absorbed by the excellent audio information.

2010-12-14T18:21:00.000Z

Latest offering from Ken Jackson

2010-11-25T16:04:00.001Z

One of the Friend's most consistent supporters, Ken Jackson, has once again put his incredible water colour skills to good use. Ken has produced a stunning representation of the new 'Broadwaters Totem' Ken uses his talents to support the 'Friend's' work in Broadwaters Park.

The painting will be the grand Prize in the 'Friends' Christmas draw. Tickets will be on sale at the Christmas Fayre on Saturday 4th December in Broadwaters park. They will also be on sale over the Christmas period and the draw will take place in early January.
Should anyone like to buy a ticket at £1 then please ring 01562 637080

The Crowning Glory

2010-10-13T18:00:00.002+01:00

As the Lottery project nears it's conclusion, the crowning glory was the installation of the wooden Totem designed and carved by Nansi Hemmings.
Great care was taken over the precise location and at last the day came to lift the 4.5 mtr. high solid Oak totem into place. Everyone involved on the day did their jobs to percection, and the totem was in place for all to see. And what a sight it was too!.
The carving of the totem is superb, and everyone who has inspected it feels the same. Nansi has surpassed all expectations and given Broadwaters Park a fitting monument for the long and complex Lottery project.

Overall the project has been a stunning success, and all involved are to be heartily congratulated.
The official launch for the completion is to take place on 21st October in the park with a spectacular laser and firework show. A fitting climax to a magnificent effort.

Special thanks go, of course, to Jane Abraham for masterminding the whole project, and also Mike Abraham for his support.

Triumphant Once More!

2010-07-29T19:44:00.000+01:00

The 'Friends of Broadwaters' greeted the news that our lovely park had once more won the prestigious Green Pennant, with great satisfaction. We did expect to win, as, due to the joint effort of Wyre Forest Parks Dept., and the 'Friends', the park did look at at its very best on the assessment day.
Being able to demonstrate an on going commitment to improving our green space, was foremost in the decision to award the park the coveted Green Pennant, for the sixth consecutive year.
The fact that the recent Big Lottery award was in the process of being spent on the variety of projects planned for the park was also a big factor.
The members who met with the assessor were able to demonstrate their long term commitment to this cause, and also show that they were actively encouraging new members to take part in the plans.
All in all, a most satisfying culmination to a few months hard work by all concerned.

Work in Progress

2010-07-10T18:31:00.001+01:00

The work to be funded by the Lottery Fund was begun in Mid May with the dismantling of the 'sensory' garden in preparation for a complete redesign and new pathways. The contractors began by removing our most cherished plants and placing them into storage until planting time in the Autumn.
The work progressed quite slowly at first due to various groundwork problems, but soon we were able to see everything begin to take shape
.

The pathways surrounding the garden were taken up entirely and the edge stones of the adjacent pathways, some of which were missing, were relaid and strengthened. During the relaying of these edge stones, the missing ones were found to have sunk into the soft earth!
The planned log roll edging was delivered and it was the installation of this that gave substance to the whole project.
New drainage was installed to cope with the occasional flooding in this area. The pool in our park is number thirty in a string of thirty one fed by the Wannerton brook that rises in the Clent hills. The area is a class three flood risk.

The quality of work done by the contractors was outstanding and the care they took with the fabric of the park was very heart warming.

Soon it was time to lay the pathways around the garden, and this was a very speedy event.

Following quickly on from this, the pathways in the rest of the top end of the park were ripped up and within a few days the rest of the paths were laid.

Earlier concerns about the time scale of the work were allayed when the last bits of tarmac were laid, and the site was cleared of equipment, rubble and all the paraphernalia of ground work were removed, leaving the park in almost pristine condition well in time for the Summer Fayre on July 17th.

It didn't take long for the paths to be put into use. All in all a grand job. Now we are in the throes of organising the sculpture carving by Nansi Hemming which will be the crowning glory to a long project .

Annual Plant Sale

2010-05-22T19:27:00.000+01:00

Saturday turned out to be the best day of the year so far as regards to the weather. It was scorching!

The 'Friends' as usual, turned out in force to set up for the big day, with the erection of our big gazebo and a smaller one on loan from Cyril and Shirley.
A lot of hard work had already been done in the background, by the 'Friends' and their friends. in growing hundreds of plants for our sale. The customary sale or return racks of plants from Highdown Nurseries were again in tip top condition and the 'return' part of the deal resulted in just a few trays being put back into stock.
The takings were up by over £170 on last year, so the day was a great success considering the current financial climate.
After clearing everything away, (mostly to Mike and Jane's garage) we got cleaned up and then met up for a well earned drink or two in the Broadwaters Inn.

In addition to the plant sale, a prize draw was held. A local artist Ken Jenkins, donated an excellent water colour painting of Broadwaters park, so tickets were printed and £61 was raised on the day. The sale of tickets will continue until the 'Summer Fayre' in the park in July, and the draw for the painting will be made on August 4th at our general monthly meeting.

Ken's Watercolour

The work begins!

2010-05-14T08:37:00.000+01:00

Over the past months we have been busy with ironing out the details of the work to be done in the park. Quotes for the reconstruction of the paths have been received and the contract for the work has been allocated. This work is due to start in June and should be complete in around three weeks.
Due to a surprise reduction in the expected price for the paths, the residue of the pre-allocated funds have allowed to be diverted to pay for new paths to the two picnic tables. This will allow comfortable access for wheel chair bound park goers, instead of trundling across the bumpy grass. This means that we don't have to rely on an application for further funding from other sources.

The five Native Black Poplar trees, which are part of the Lottery funded project, were planted around the margins of the wetland area and have already come into leaf. These will make a splendid addition to the varied fauna in this area of the park.

The bids for the art work have been whittled down from twenty three to a more manageable four. A variety of styles have been included, and a public survey to choose the artist is in progress, and will continue at our annual plant sale on 22nd May.

Great News!!!

2010-01-03T21:39:00.000Z

The 'Friends' have just been informed that our Lottery Fund bid has been granted!

Now the work can begin with regard to the art work and pathway installations.

Thanks must go to Jane Abraham for her diligent work over the past months.

Broadwaters Lights Fantastic

2009-12-23T16:47:00.005Z

On 12th December, as part of the Broadwaters Christmas Fayre, organised by Colin Hill on behalf of the Scouts, the 'Friends', supported by Karen James and others at Wyre Forest District council, organised the ' Lights Fantastic' The funds for this event were provided by Mumshad Ahmed through the 'Positive Activities' fund, Howard Martin through the 'Leadership Fund', and Worcestershire County Council through the 'Generations Together' Fund,

(Click pictures for larger view)

The event was the culmination of weeks (months?) of hard work by Jane Abraham who took on the task following the disappointment of not being able to put on a similar event in March.

At last the money became available and the various parts of the event were booked. Chinese Lanterns (modern, 'green' recycled version) were produced with input from local schools and WFDC art workers.

A 'green' energy section was installed in the 'Friend's' large gazebo. This was a series of bicycles on stands connected to generators. These generators, when manned by sufficient 'customers' provided electrical energy to power some rather fetching blue fairy lights to illuminate the rear of the gazebo.

More power (much more!) was needed to power the the kettle and the toaster which did in fact produce tea and toast, though not in sufficient quantities to feed everyone!

The lanterns were installed along the banks of the stream and gave an enticing view to passing motorists.

The climax of the evening was probably the most spectacular fireworks display ever seen in the area.

All in all, a very worthwhile exercise, and thanks are again offered to Wyre Forest District Council and all those involved in the organisation of such a successful event.

Tree O'Clock

2009-12-23T16:02:00.009Z

On the 5th of December, the 'Friends' took part in the National event sponsored by the BBC Breathing Places website.

The title of the event was 'Tree O'Clock. The aim was to plant as many trees as possible in our green spaces.

This was an attempt to break the 'Guinness Book of Records' record for the most trees planted in one hour.

Unfortunately, the record wasn't broken on this occasion, though around 233,000 trees were in fact planted nationally by volunteer organisations.

A few 'Friends' gathered, appropriately attired against the very damp weather, and with much enthusiasm, planted seven trees in one hour.

This probably doesn't sound many in the time, but it was fairly hard going digging the holes for the trees in very heavy ground.

The trees that were planted were all donated by various folk and had been looked after at the Brinton Park nursery by council staff. Our thanks go to them for their continuing assistance.

A very satisfying morning adding a little something to the park.

Two more trees were planted a few days later by Mark Williams of Plan2Plant.

Further planting is planned in the park when the council remove some weak Alders. These are to be replaced with some ornamental pears (pyrus-calleryani-chantcleer) and should make for more colour in the Autumn.

A glorious day!

2009-09-12T20:50:00.001+01:00

Well, the day came at last, and we were greeted with blazing sunshine which gave us probably the best day of the year. The Gazebo was erected without much problem, and soon after, the pig roast van arrived and set up exactly where we agreed. Everything was set for a grand afternoon.

The Tiggerty Boo! players arrived in their 19th century regalia and together with some of the 'Friends', proceeded to enthral an attentive crowd of some eighty locals and visitors. A second performance was no less well attended as the cast entered into their roles with gusto.
The setting was perfect as it gave the audience a good view of the area and specific points of interest that were featured in the drama/dialogue.

Custom for the pig roast was a little slow at first, but soon folk were attracted by the lovely aroma, and a queue quickly formed.
We sold enough tickets to cover the cost of the pig roast with a little left over to go into the 'Friends' fund. A collection bucket for donations also generated a grand sum to be put towards our various projects.

Orders were taken for Mike Abraham's splendid new book on the history of Broadwaters, 'The Broadwaters Time Machine', something that surprised Mike, but pleasantly we hope. He faces some more hard work at the printer it seems.

All in all a lovely afternoon, and well worth the ffort.

Wildlife

2009-08-22T00:00:00.000+01:00

The wildlife in the park continues to bring surprises. In April we were all surprised to see the arrival of the rather elegant Mandarin duck. It was very shy at first, and only made it’s presence known by it’s distinctive call. A sort of rising whistle.

Quite soon though, as it saw the other ducks tucking in to their daily allocation of corn, he joined in and was soon bossing the Mallards with his very confident manner and slightly aggressive behaviour.

Strangely, he seemed to make friends with the white Aylesbury duck, and they would spend hours sleeping under the willows, or gently cruising round the pond.

Enquiries regarding it’s rarity in this area were made with the Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetland trust, who gently informed us that it was now fairly common along the whole of the Severn Valley. Still, it was avery nice daily distraction to watch him preening his marvellous plumage.

Sadly he has moved on to pastures (ponds?) new. Presumably to seek a mate elsewhere.

Who knows? He may return someday and breed. That would be great.

Katsura

2009-08-21T23:30:00.000+01:00

A very welcome addition to the ‘flora’,(or should that be ‘dendra’?), in the park, came about due to Chris and Jenny talking very nicely to the head gardener of Arley Arborteum, Mike Darvill. He came along with a fine example of a ‘Katsoura’ tree. Otherwise known as the ‘Toffee Apple’ tree due to its distinctive aroma of burnt sugar in the Autumn. Mike himself donated the tree, and came along to choose a spot for its new home. Armed with everything necessary, Mike planted it in a prime position just behind the ‘Duke of Gloucester tree’.

All that was then necessary was for our own Mike to nod his head while the support stakes were pounded into the soil.

After a shaky start in its new surroundings, due to an unusual bout of very dry weather, it soon picked up after several downpours. It is now producing some lovely new growth……………………………I just can’t wait to smell those toffee apples!

Plant Sale

2009-08-21T23:24:00.001+01:00

Another highly successful Plant Sale was well attended despite the uncertain weather.
The green fingered ‘Friends‘, and others, planned ahead and produced a marvellous range of plants to display for sale in the park.
Even though we no longer had the support of the Parks dept. nursery as in previous years, Highdown Nurseries did us proud once again with a fine supply of plants.
The hard work paid off with around £500 being contributed to the ‘Friends’

Whitfest

2009-08-21T23:10:00.000+01:00

Once again the ‘Friends’ joined together to enjoy the May celebration of Whitfest.
We gathered in the park on a bright but blustery evening to enjoy the dancing and music of the Wolverley Morris team.
A few dressed in period costume, and they have to be congratulated on their enthusiasm and sense of fun.
The pig roast was again a great success and very tasty with most folk partaking of seconds!
The whole evening was most enjoyable and the enthusiasm of the dancers was very infectious and a few friends joined in.