A host of Golden Daffodils!

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!!??

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

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

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.

Latest offering from Ken Jackson

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

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.