Here is the new event calendar – we hope you like it.
The next 6 months will be out later this year!
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If you are interested in learning how to patchwork quilt please read the information below, and if you want any further information don’t hesitate to get in touch, patchwork quilting course details
Sun Dial Sculpture Opening 3pm, 30thSep 2012 in Victoria Park, Stretford“Time of a Generation” Sun Dial Sculpture
This 12 foot sun dial depicting a father and son sits in it’s ownbeautiful south facing open space and is ideal for such a piece of design and boasts the correct positioning for the sun, has been designed by Ben Pepper, a Stretford artist. It is made of core ten steel [like the angel of the north] and will last for generations to come whilst providing us with a beautiful timepiece for us to enjoy now. This project was born after Ben Pepper was walking around the park looking for a space to place a sculpture with Shelly Quinton-Hulme, chairperson for the Friends of Victoria Park. Discussions were had between the Friends of Victoria Park and Ben and a plan was formed. The Friends used their own funds to make and install the sun dial and got some further funding from Trafford Housing Trust, Stretford Panel and the Community Development Foundation for the planting scheme and the information plaque. The technical drawings were done by Andrew Thurman of Salford University 3D Department and approved by Trafford Council.
Shelly Quinton-Hulme says ‘this sundial is so beautiful and has taken years to go from project idea to reality – it really is worth coming to see, we are all so proud of it’ ‘Sue Pepper [Ben’s mother] lost her fight with cancer today [17/9/12] and we had all hoped she would live long enough to see Ben’s first permanent sculpture erected. Sue was so full of life and was so proud of Ben’s achievements and loved his work it really is a shame she will not be there, but we will try and make it a fun day whilst still remembering all those we have lost to this terrible disease, and thankful for all those who have survived it.’ Ben Pepper quote: ‘I have created really meaningful artworks and beautiful products that I am really proud of, but there is nothing on this earth that has made me feel so heartfelt and touched as to be able to do something like this at this time of my life, it is unforgettable.’
Sheet fabs in Nottingham made and installed the sundial. Sheet fabs are known for making Anthony Gormley’s sculptures amongst other big named sculptors. The foundations were carried out by MC Services. Rebecca Green and the other park gardeners helped to clear this area of weeds and dead plants, and Rebecca designed the planting scheme and will supervise the community planting which will be done on Sunday 30th Sep from 10am until 3pm, directly before the opening ceremony. The Friends of Victoria Park are paying Stretford Brass Band to come along to play for all the volunteers as they plant [from 1-3pm] and free refreshments for all volunteer planters will be provided by the Friends. Please come along and help, meet at the community building or come and find us at the sun dial site. All equipment will be provided. We need loads of help if we are to plant the thousands of plants to make this area look spectacular. We need a Garden Army please – all ages welcome, and it would be great if you could stay from 3pm onwards to celebrate the official opening of the sun dial and listen to the music and have a drink with us. Why it’s here?
This sundial is a place to remember all sufferers and survivors of cancer and to the dedicated work carried out by The Christies. We want this area to be a place where you can reflect and take time to remember loved ones but we do not want this to be a sad place, rather one that is vibrant and full of life and a well used celebration of all the generations that have gone before us and those still to come. This place should be an exciting place to explore the science of sun dials and wonder at the amazing place that is our solar system and enjoy the beautiful flowers and trees that we have planted. We want schools to come and bring their classes here to learn about sundials and see the other resources our park has to offer. There is also the opportunity for brass rubbings here as the numbers are so tactile. If you want to find out more about sundials then we have an education pack with a lessons plan available to download soon from our website www.fovps.org.uk.
Offical opening of the sculpture will be done by the Pepper family with comperes from BBC’s The Apprentice, Gabbi Omar and Stephen Brady, and BBC’s The Voice Singers, Matt and Sueleen [niece of Sue Pepper / cousin of Ben Pepper] will help celebrate the opening of this permanent new timepiece. We have got so many things going on in the park starting this summer to keep us all fit which will cost you nothing : Tennis Coaching – for anyone - Supervision of children under 10 years of age is required. Delivered by Francois an ex professional tennis player from Mauritius who now lives locally. Dates and times vary and are up on the park noticeboards. Bowls Coaching – for anyone who can hold the bowls, usually over 7 years of age - every Saturday morning from 1000-1200 until September. Supervision of children under 10 years of age is required. Delivered by Bill a coach from Greater Manchester Bowls Association who comes to us from Tameside. Rounders Sessions – for anyone – every Wednesday evening from 6.30pm until 7.30pm. These are fun sessions for all ages, the rules are lax as it’s about getting out and playing, not who wins – although don’t be fooled the adults are very competitive! Supervision of children under 10 years of age is required. Delivered by Sammi a local fitness coach until September. Boot Camp - Adults mixed gender sessions, over 15 year old’s - every Friday evening from 7-8pm starting on Friday July 20th and running for one year! Delivered by Sammi a local fitness coach. She also runs a ladies only session every Tuesday night from 7-8pm but this session costs £3.00 Boot Camp – Children’s sessions 5-15 year olds – every Sunday afternoon from 4-5pm starting on Sunday 29th July and running for one year! Supervision of children under 10 years of age is required. Delivered by Sammi a local fitness coach. Mixed sports sessions – for anyone – every Thursday from 6-8pm starting from Thursday 19th July and running for one year! Supervision of children under 10 years of age is required. Delivered by Sammi a local fitness coach. These sessions are being provided by the Friends of Victoria Park and are made possible by our funding bids being granted – £2,000 from Trafford Council Small Grants and over £8,000 from Comic Relief. We hope that everyone will make use of these free sessions and together we can improve all our health and fitness levels. See you there.
This week’s blog is something that’s a bit of a ‘soap box’ issue for me! It seems that my coat pockets, bags and even my washing machine regularly have crumpled plastic nappy bags in them. This is a somewhat strange considering that I don’t have children. I do however have two dogs and as a dog owner, unpleasant as it might be, I ‘poop scoop’ on a regular basis. Occasionally I’ve been shouted at by someone who has just stepped in some dog poo or by someone whose child has just come into contact with some, just because I have dogs. This is because a small minority of dog owners act irresponsibly and don’t pick up after their dogs which can unfortunately lead to a bad image of dog owners as a whole. Dog fouling is a recurring problem in public places. It’s unpleasant, illegal and claiming ignorance of a dog’s actions is no defence. If you don’t ‘bag it and bin it’, Fixed Penalty Notices of £50 can be issued by Community Safety Patrol Officers and non-payment can lead to a fine of up to £1000. In a bid to tackle the issue of dog fouling, The Friends of Victoria Park Stretford have recently applied for a grant to buy dog poo bags and bag dispensers to be sited in public spaces around Stretford. If the grant is successful the FOVP will lead a joint venture involving other ‘Friends’ groups and local schools to try and reduce the level of fouling in local streets, schools and green spaces. It’s hoped that the joined up approach will educate and facilitate dog owners to ‘bag it and bin it’ and improve the environment for everyone. Watch this space for further news! If you want to report dog fouling visit www.trafford.gov.uk Words: Sam Quinton
Eaten too many Easter Eggs? Starting from Tuesday 24th April ‘Fight the Fat Boot Camp’ will be in Victoria Park to help you get fit and have fun doing it. Why not come along to the park on Tuesdays (Ladies only) or Fridays (Unisex) between 7pm and 8pm and give it a go. The class costs £3 per session – for more information ring Sammi on 0741 271 1101. If you don’t feel like running in this year’s Manchester Marathon, then why not support those who are? On Sunday 29th April from 9am -12pm the Friends of Victoria Park, Stretford will be at the Park Road gates with refreshments, music and raffle tickets. Come along and cheer the runners on as they pass by. This is a free, drop in event suitable for all ages. Saturday 9th June is the Friends fun dog show ‘Scrufts’ (1pm-3pm). Does your dog have the cutest face, the waggiest tail or the best party trick? Come along and see if your dog can win a prize or even be crowned Scrufts ‘Champion of Champions’! With refreshments and arts and crafts, the event is suitable for the whole family. (Dog entrance fees apply) There are lots of other drop in events happening in the park throughout May with Bowls Coaching, Arts and Crafts and Free Bike Repairs. Why not go along and get involved or just enjoy a cup of tea and a chat in the community building Tea Room? Sam Quinton Here it is at last – sorry for the delay! CBeebies came and recorded their winter song in our park this year. If you have not managed to catch it yet – or CBeebies is not your usual viewing channel – Click on the Facebook link on this page. It will take you to our Facebook page that has a recording of the film on it. We are so proud they everyone chose our park for this project. Have a look at this new video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNcCDw7Wilw&feature=player_embedded This was done by Kevin Roache to promote volunteering in Trafford for the launch of 3T Hi all, Please read our review of 2011 – Friends of Victoria Park1 Just a quick note to thank everyone who has made this such a fantastic year for our group – our volunteers, our supporters, our grant givers, our partners and all the park users – so THANK YOU! We are looking forward to another great year in 2012 – we will have been together as a group for a decade and we have loads to celebrate and some plans as ever for park improvements. Come along to our meeting on the first Thursday of each month at 7pm in the community building to hear about them or just watch this space. Happy New Year to all! Regards, Shelly I did an interview with ‘parklover’ about how we got started and what we are about and she has used it in a piece for this website dedicated to parents with 6-9 year old aged children. http://www.readyforten.com/users/parklover1/posts/18832-are-you-friends-with-your-local-park |
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