Planting the New Community Garden on the Green
Press Release: New Community Garden on Silloth Green
Landscaping has almost finished and children in Silloth are planning on adopting a flower in their new Community Garden on the morning of Wednesday 14th May. A group from the Community College will begin planting at 9.00am. Youngsters from the nursery will take over at 10.00am. followed by the Primary School children, who will begin their stint at 11.00am. The children will be supported by Friends of the Green and helped by gardening experts from Moota Garden Centre, who will also provide advice on the care of the plants. Others in the community, young and old, able-bodied and disabled, can arrange to come along and adopt a bed or flower to plant and/or look after. The new community garden on Silloth Green sits at the corner of Criffel Street and Lawn Terrace. The project has been funded by Heritage Lottery, and is part of the Green’s major refurbishment plan, which has been overseen by the Town Council. Friends of the Green have supported the practical development of the garden and the professional design – http://www.sillothgreen.co.uk/draft-design-for-community-garden/ – was put together by Moota Garden Centre, who met with members of the local community in July last year to discuss what ideas they would like included – http://www.sillothgreen.co.uk/community-garden-workshops-14th-july-2013/ As a result, a number of different and imaginative zones are now being created within the garden area. Friends of the Green also sought additional funding to buy a bug house and other interesting additions for the sensory zone. In addition, they sought funds to commission a story telling chair for the garden from the Silloth-on-Solway Woodcarvers. Led by Clive Firth and his merry band of men, the huge green oak chair – weighing in excess of a quarter of a ton – is developing into a true work of art, built over a great many months with love, blood, sweat and tears, and featuring many different carved images. Magical figures and other representations connected with Silloth Green’s history and the Green’s close proximity to the Solway are making the chair truly representative of the town. It will be unveiled at the official opening of the garden, due to take place at 10.30am on Silloth Green Day, Sunday 25th May. The garden, small but beautiful, is for the community, and everyone is invited to come along and help celebrate the opening, and to walk around and explore the different zones and flowers. All parents are invited to bring their children, dressed as their favourite story character to enjoy some stories read by Tim Barker. Afterwards, they will be able to join in a Gruffalo Treasure Hunt in their garden, organised by a team from the local nursery. ENDS
Photo Call:
When: 14th May 2014 Where: Community Garden Silloth Green When: 9.00am – 11.30am
Notes to Editors:
Heritage Lottery Fund Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) aims to make a lasting difference for heritage, people and communities across the UK and help build a resilient heritage economy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported almost 36,000 projects with £5.9bn across the UK. www.hlf.org.uk. Images available on request. For further information and to arrange interviews, please contact Anna Malina, Community Engagement Officer, Silloth Green. eMail: anna.malina@silloth-on-solway.co.uk Office Tel: 016973 31816.