Spooky going-on draw crowds
FAMILIES made the most of a dry sunny day to get into the spirit of Halloween at Page Park’s annual Pumpkin Patch event.
Fancy dress competitions for children and dogs were combined with some traditional games, fairground rides, food and drink stalls and an artisan market in the area around the park’s clock tower and bandstand.
The event was organised by Melody Beard of the Bean Tree Cafe, with support from the Friends of Page Park, whose volunteers staffed the silly games stalls, sold calendars and stewarded the event.
Friends of Page Park vice-chair Steph Purser said the event, which ran for four hours from 11am to 3pm on October 19, attracted thousands of visitors.
Steph said: “We’re so grateful for the support we’ve had – it’s been amazing.”
Donations from some of the vendors and taking from the silly games stalls and fancy dress entry fees saw the event raise more than £1,100 for projects in the park.
The event also saw more than 70 people snap up copies of next year’s Page Park calendar, which is also raising money for park projects.
Park survey launched
PEOPLE who visit Page Park are being encouraged to fill in this year’s annual user survey.
The survey asks people what they think of the overall condition of the park and its facilities, why they visit and what its impact is on their lives and the community.
People are also asked what they would like to see more of and something about themselves, including their age and how far from the park they live.
The survey runs each year to monitor the success of the Heritage Lottery Fund support for the park and aid with planning and funding of future projects.
Friends vice-chair Steph Purser said: “We need people to do that survey and say what they think of the park.
“It’s particularly important as we’re looking at possible improvements to the play equipment and want people to get involved and talk about what’s needed. The play areas need a revamp but we want to know more about the facilities needed, especially for children with disabilities.
“If something is highlighted in the survey it can help with applying for funding.”
The survey runs until November 30 and can be found online at tinyurl.com/3zyyzj83.
Join the Friends
RESIDENTS who care about the future of Page Park are encouraged to come along to a meeting this month.
The Friends of Page Park annual meeting takes place on November 21 at 7pm at the Bean Tree Cafe.
The biggest issue at the meeting is recruiting new members, to make sure projects and events reflect what the local community needs and have enough help to get them off the ground.
Friends vice-chair Steph Purser said: “We need new blood to bring forward new ideas, plan events for next year and take roles so that they happen.
“A lot of the volunteers started with the group 25 years ago and are now in their 70s and 80s, and can’t do as much physically as they did back then.
“We can’t let the park go backwards, but to go forwards we need the community to come and help us and take over some of the work.”