Last year at the Spelthorne in Bloom awards I listened to the High Sherriff talking about the power of bringing a community together through joint enterprise and effort. The blooming High Streets, local pub gardens and monuments gave our hearts a lift when we passed by and we know it is down to the joint toils of so many.
There are a couple of projects you can get involved in and make a difference.
Laleham Park, so enjoyed by so many, is watched over by local volunteer group, Laleham Park Watch. You may have heard of it. They are part of Spelthorne Neighbourhood Watch. Local coordinator for the scheme is Rowena Smith and she is keen to spread the word and engage with users of the park and to get more volunteers to get involved. “Sometimes”, she says,
“engaging the park users can be a challenge, I have to try and engage with them whilst they are walking in the park, not easy especially when they are trying to walk their dogs or entertain their children or even harder the runners!”
The group has been going for about two years. Membership is governed by use of the park and not where people live. The aim is to keep people safe, improve the facilities and report the activities of those who maybe using the park illegally or anti-socially.
There is NO cost involved to members. An email address is useful but information can be sent via the post. If you want to know more or get involved contact Rowena on 01784 243541 or email Rowena.smith1052 @btinternet.com.
If you want to get your hands dirty, you can make a difference to the first impression many get of Shepperton. The corner of Renfree Way and the High Street by The Three Horseshoes has long been a bit of lost vegetation (we do like the boat though!). The plan is to cut back the vegetation, create a lawned area, flower beds and a live willow hedge.
Come and make a difference
So rather than having a lie in on the morning on Sunday 23rd February why not get some jeans and wellies on and come and make a difference. This is a Community Event and several local groups are involved in it. You will be able to enjoy making a difference and take pride in what you have done when it blooms and thrives later in the season.
If you are interested please give Peter Routley a call on 01932 232344.
If you like the outdoors, but more from the warmth then why not join the Spelthorne Natural History Society at one of their evening talks. On Wednesday February 12th 8.00pm at The Greeno Centre, Aljos Farjon from Kew will give a talk on ‘The Ancient Oaks of Britain’, or you can get out and see the snowdrops on Sunday 16th by joining Gordon Freeman at Ankerwyke Priory.
Meet in Magna Carta Lane, Wraysbury, off B376 Staines Road.
So whether it is digging, walking or listening, there is something for everyone.