Broadwaters Lights Fantastic

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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.