Friends of Broadwaters: February 2011

Saturday 26 February 2011

A first of the year

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

Thursday 10 February 2011

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.

The Park

Friends of Broadwaters are a group of some sixty members now who help manage the park at Broadwaters in Kidderminster.
The group was formed following a project instigated by Wyre Forest District Council, and supported by Local Heritage Initiative.
The project began with the restoration of the almost derelict remains of the mill that had stood since the 13th century on the watercourse known as Wannerton Brook.
It has has had a varied history as to the mill function, and it's final incarnation was as a laundry, having previously been an iron forge, flour mill, and a fulling mill for the cloth industry.
The building that remains is but a small part of the original several storied construction.

Sponsorship and Fundraising

The 'Friends' work in the park is funded entirely from grants, donations and our own fundraising efforts through various events in the park.
Many members also donate large amounts of time and also things like plants and tools, and they have a knack of failing to claim back expenses incurred during various tasks undertaken in the park.

Should you feel that you could help in any way to bolster our funds, then please take the opportunity to contact one of us to arrange something either privately or publicly.

We do, wherever possible and with permission, make it known to the public at large, just who contributes to our efforts.

Please contact us at
saint-jamesatgmx.com
(replace at with @)