Newsletter no. 6 - March 2012
PROGRESS
The last six months have largely been taken up with consolidating the huge amount of work that went into preparing the garden for the grand opening in the Spring of 2011. We are discovering that as more of the garden is restored so the burden of maintaining the restored areas grows, thus reducing time available to the team for further restoration. Nevertheless work is now currently in progress on improving the pathways and making access to the woodlands easier. As part of this effort, over the past few months Tony Butland has been busy creating the pillars that will before very long carry a second bridge over the stream close to the northern border of the garden. The installation of the bridge by Tom Hills this Spring will be facilitated by a grant of £1000 from the Devon Count locality budget and will enable the creation of a delightful circular walk.
The photograph is of Ox-eye daisies in the wild flower meadow.
Taken in late summer 2011 by Ian Smith.
Because of on-going work, some areas of the garden continue to be hazardous and must remain off-limits for the time being. Visitors are asked to keep to clearly designated footpaths. The Friends are committed to eventually providing wheelchair access, but at the present time such access remains, of necessity, limited.
Explanatory notice boards are to be found at strategic points throughout the garden.
2013 CENTENARY CELEBRATION:
The garden is thought to have been created around the time when Sabine Baring-Gould was restoring the Holy Well. That restoration was completed on Easter Day 1913. It is anticipated that our own restoration of the well will be completed in time to celebrate the centenary of Sabine’s restoration in 2013, but probably on a date other than Easter. Make sure you come see how far we have progressed by then.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS:
-
Tree Planting - 10th March 2012.
The planting of a further 50 trees, under the direction of Peter Webb assisted once again by Becky Jones and the Guides/Brownies, will take place on Saturday 10 March.
All are welcome to come along to this pleasant event - 10.30 am to 12 noon.
- Bluebell Walks - 28th, 29th April:
A joint event arranged by the Friends of the Forgotten Garden, St. Peter’s Church and Lewtrenchard Primary School will be held over the weekend 28, 29 April. Members of the Forgotten Garden team will be available between 2 and 5 pm to give guided tours to visitors. We anticipate that our ancient bluebell woods will then be at their best . Refreshments will be served in the Church. Proceeds for the Church and the Forgotten Garden.
It is understood that the school is arranging a longer walk to include other local bluebell woods. Contact the school for details.
- Annual General Meeting - Monday 25th June 2012:
The AGM will be held on the 25th of June 2012 at 7 pm at Lewdown Victory Hall.
- Pasty and Pudding Evening - Friday 7th September 2012:
This fund raising event will be held at the Lewdown Cricket Pavilion.
THANKS ARE DUE TO:
- To Ian Smith and Audrey Jones for donating the use of their photographs.
- To the Lewdown Residents Association for a donation of £50
- To Plymouth BTCV Volunteers (mostly young NEETS for help clearing.
THE 'WISHING WELL FUND':
The Holy Well was, without doubt, the most important feature in the garden. We want to ensure that the restoration of the well and its immediate surroundings is of the highest standard. We believe that members will want to make a special contribution to this and have opened a ‘Wishing Well Fund.’ Donations are very welcome.
MEMBERSHIP:
We now have 48 members. New members are always welcome.
The subscription remains unchanged at;
Individual membership; |
£10 |
Joint membership (two members in a household); |
£15 |
Subscriptions, due from the date of the AGM, can be paid by standing order;
Forms can be obtained from the treasurer, Sue Butland, or downloaded from this website.
New members who join after 1st March 2012 will not be expected to pay another subscription until after the 2013 AGM.
** YOUR PRACTICAL HELP IS URGENTLY NEEDED** :
The Friends have a great team of volunteers, but there is much more to be done and a growing need for more volunteers. As work progresses we find ourselves needing two different sorts of volunteer. Those keen on creative gardening and maintenance work and those more inclined to the heavier but equally challenging demands of restoration. Either way, if you want to enjoy yourself in the open air and literally see the garden take shape under your hands have a word with Harold on 01566 783392.
Email: audreyjones492@btinternet.com
COMMITTEE:
VOLUNTEERS:
The Friends now have a great team of volunteers. All the members of the committee work hard while Harold, Brian and Nancy never seem to be away from the garden. But it is not just committee members who toil away—Ann Mennell, Audrey Jones and Tony Butland also spend many hours in the garden.
There is, however still much to be done and plenty of room for more volunteers. So, if you want to enjoy yourself in the open air and literally see the garden take shape under your hands as you work, contact Harold - 01566 783392
Email: audreyjones492@btinternet.com
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