NEWSLETTER – March 2019
NEWSLETTER – MARCH 2019
FOCP COMMITTEE – What have we been up to?
Since our last newsletter in August 2018, we have held two events:
· A Picnic in the Park & Family Fun Day was on the Bank Holiday Weekend (Sunday 26th August). Quite honestly, it was a complete and utter washout weather-wise, which was such a shame and a marked contrast to the year before! However, as Prestonians, we know we can’t rely on the weather, so it is what it is!
· A Cheese & Wine evening including the AGM (Annual General Meeting) was in the Autumn, in combination with a complimentary Cheese and Wine Evening at the Grasshoppers Rugby Club. Again, the weather was a shocker so attendance was pretty poor but we thank those who did make the effort to attend.
Whilst our social events have not been quite as successful as previous ones, we have seen some improvements made to the park landscape. 14 trees were planted on the South side of the main park, near the Pavilion Building and around the playground and the large Oak. Planted by CCNW, the trees have been chosen to provide interesting colours variations, as well as absorb water from the ground, thus trying to combat the boggy conditions.
The Council Park Dept also made arrangements to chop down the brambles on the north side of the park, leading down the bank to the brook. This had been requested by us, so that we will be able to ‘balsam bash’ that area in the Spring, which has previously been inaccessible.
When do we meet? The Friends of Conway Park Committee Group meet up every 6-8 weeks, usually on a Tuesday evening at 7.30pm. We currently have 9 regular members who try their best to share the tasks required. We are all volunteers. Help and support is gratefully received, especially in the run-up to any fundraising events we organise. New members to the committee are ALWAYS WELCOME to share the load. If you have a vested interest in Conway Park (perhaps you walk your dog or have grandchildren who visit the play area) and have a bit of spare time, please come and join us and help us move the project forward. Our next meeting is on Tues 19th March at 7.30pm – get in touch if you would like to join us or if you have any ideas/issues you would like us to discuss on your behalf.
Fundraising Behind the scenes, ‘The Friends’ have been making real headway with fundraising. We have applied for various grants, in liaison with Preston City Council. Some have been successful and some not. However, we hope to be able to broadcast some exciting news soon, once the paperwork is finalised and should the Council rubber-stamp it….. we might be looking at Phase 1 of the playground renovations commencing in 2019.
Upcoming events to look out for…..
· Balsam Bashing (dates to be confirmed, usually May/early June). Check our website or facebook page for more event information, nearer the time.
CADLEY FC NEWS – DRAINAGE WORKS
Last year, Cadley FC employed a contractor to improve the drainage on the football pitches. However, due to factors beyond their control, this work was not completed. The Contractors (Mallinsons) will return (weather permitting) in April to complete this work. Heavy machinery will be operating on the park for a few weeks, and will focus on the new pitch at the north of the park, near the big old Oak tree. The four bags of sand near the gate will be removed, as will the mound gravel on the carpark. Please take care when using the park during this time. In addition, new main drains across all pitches on the park, as well as the application of 200 tonnes of sand will take place in August.
Following a Cadley FC Committee meeting, it was agreed the club would contribute towards the new path which will run alongside the improved play area. They have also been successful in obtaining a grant for a new mower and certificate-drainer, which will help them continually improve the condition of the park throughout the season.