Park’s new year activities
A new Community Ranger for Ilkeston’s Victoria Park has been appointed – meaning a new, pro-active programme of activities for all ages gets underway this month.
Debbie Stayte, recently appointed by Erewash Borough Council for the role, says she is looking forward to meeting local residents and providing plenty of opportunities for them to use and enjoy the award-winning park.
There are several free activities already happening within the park and these will continue on a regular basis, which residents and families are welcome to join in:
• A well-being group meets fortnightly and the first of 2019 will be on Wednesday 9 January from 10.30am-12.30pm, with participants able to enjoy different activities that promote well-being. The activity takes place in the bowls pavilion.
• A new poetry group will be held on the third Thursday of each month from 6pm-8pm, giving residents the opportunity to read their own poetry or published works – or simply the chance to sit back and listen to the group. The first poetry meet will be on Thursday 17 January in the bowls pavilion.
• A family ‘bird-friendly’ afternoon will be held on Saturday 19 January between 1pm and 3pm when everyone has the chance to make pine cone bird feeders. There will also be a self-led scavenger hunt and bird spotting, with a local bird enthusiast on hand to help out. Meet at the bowls pavilion.
Councillor Mike Wallis, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Culture and Leisure, says:
“We are delighted to welcome Debbie to the team and I know she has lots of brilliant ideas to further develop the activities on offer at Victoria Park, all thanks to the major Heritage Lottery-funded restoration project. Please go along and join in the free activities if you can, activities that will build on the success of the park and continue to ensure it is a vibrant and much-loved place for everyone.”
Victoria Park was transformed thanks to £740,800 of funding secured by Erewash Borough Council from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Big Lottery Fund.
Residents can keep up-to-date on what’s on offer via Facebook/ilkestonvictoriapark
