Grey days, dropping temperatures, darker nights and the prospect of a long winter ahead can often leave you feeling a little below par. So it was with surprise and delight that I found the Friends of Middleton Park AGM providing an unexpected and welcome tonic.
The Friends reflected on a very successful year. The popular summer programme was well received. The Craft and Produce Show was “the best to date”, Oddsocks Theatre delighted the crowds and the recent bonfire was attended by thousands. So there is much to celebrate. Friends, Officers and supporters alike were thanked for their efforts.
Thoughts then turned to future planning, and what a bright future it is! Herritage Lottery funded improvements are beginning to take shape across the park with the Lakeside Centre and eagerly anticipated cafe opening in early December. There’s also much excitement about the installation of a horse gin model outside the new centre. The model has been designed by Jonathan Davis and reflects the discoveries of the the park’s archeology project.
24 stone monoliths will also be arriving at various locations throughout the park. These will provide information about the park as well as maps and guidance for new trails. The maps will also be published on the Friend’s website.
Then there’s the new Summer Programme to look forward to. It’s currently in planning and the Friends are keen to hear from people about what they’d like to see included.
“If you’ve got any ideas of things you’d like to see happening come and tell us” says FOMP Secretary Alan Shaw.
The meeting also heard from Louise Martin from the Leeds Archeology Service with news of the Children’s Project recently undertaken in the park with 250 children participating. According to one child the experience was “the best school trip ever” and may lead to a Young Archeology Club been established. Watch this space!
So it is with a happy heart that the Friends are looking forward into a bright and optimistic future. After such an uplifting and positive evening who can blame them. If you’d like to join in the feel good factor the winter programme of activities is currently available on the FOMP website. Upcoming events include at bird walk on 25th Nov, Christmas crafts on the 9th Dec and a winter walk on 16th Dec. See you there!
This article was written by Tree Marshall using our Community Reporters website at www.communityreporters.sllife.leeds11.com
Great post, Tree. Sounds like an interesting meeting!
John