Spring-ing Forward with FOG
Report by: Graeme Aiken
As Spring has, apparently, turned to Summer and The Friends of Silloth Green are looking forward to getting back to some form of normality after a difficult few months.
Most importantly we are delighted to welcome back our esteemed Treasurer and “Driving Force” – Carol Doran. As you may have seen in the local press Carol has had a life changing time after contracting Covid-19. Infections are blood-clots caused by the virus meant that Carol had to have a leg amputated. We are amazed, (but not completely surprised), that this unthinkable event has not in any way dimmed Carol’s inimitable spirit and it is with great relief that she has been able to return home and carry on with her amazing work with The Friends.
One project that is now even more important for Carol is the building and planting of Raised Flower Beds, Carol said “I want people to know that we will make the Green for everyone, no matter what disability you might have, we now have an even greater understanding of the importance of that”.
The Raised Beds project is going full steam ahead thanks to incredibly generous grants of £5,500 from Cumbria County Council and a further wonderful grant of £2,500 from the Robin Rigg Community Fund.
Friends of the Green have also raised an amazing £895 from the Winter Cheer Stall on the Green – special thanks go to Judith Scott and Ann MacKenzie for all their work in making this happen and to all those who generously purchased items from the stall.
In addition, £600 has been raised from the Co-op community fund. Don’t forget that you can still nominate the Friends of Silloth Green as your chosen charity to receive local community funding from the Co-op for another 6 months.
All of this brilliant fundraising means that we can now complete plans for both the Raised Beds and the new Water Fountain – complete with doggy trough – both of which will be amazing assets for the Green.
Meanwhile, we are also delighted to announce that the Fairy Trail will be returning as soon as possible, (subject to covid-19 restrictions of course!), plans are well advanced to have everything ready with new Fairy Doors and Maps in time for the return of visitors over the Summer months.
Finally, we are hoping that the regular Volunteers sessions can re-start in some form – subject to the “Rule of Six” – but our priority remains keeping everyone who volunteers safe. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for further information.
We are all looking forward to a more “normal” Summer and can’t wait for everyone to be able to enjoy our wonderful Green – until then, thank you to everyone who continues to support The Friends of Silloth Green – keep safe and we’ll see you soon.
