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.