August
Raising money for the age-well walkway
Congratulations to Suzan Jones and Melanie Goodwin on completing their hike up Snowden Wales' tallest Mountain. See below for Suzan's report:
It all started when myself (Suzan Jones) & Melanie
Goodwin were talking to our local
counsellor Kevin Griffiths and finding out how our local Coedbach park
needed funding. We wanted to do something that was a challenge whilst raising
awareness and funds to provide a much needed WALKWAY for around the soccer
fields for everyone to benefit from, whether able bodied or disabled, babies in
buggies, dog walkers even cyclists could benefit from. All our community to be
able to enjoy all of the park all of the time regardless seemed a good cause.
We were discussing our plans when a mutual friend Emma Medway from penclawdd
took an interest in our cause and wanted to help so all three of us booked and
paid for an hotel for the weekend of August 2nd ready for the climb on August
3rd. We paid every penny of expenses ourselves so that every penny collected
for the park goes to the park. August 2nd arrived and we travelled to North
Wales.
August 3rd we set off on our climb it was difficult but as
luck was on our side the weather was good. After 5 hours of climbing Snowdon we
reached the peak by then we were relieved and tired although the views were
breathtaking as well as scary especially if you suffer from vertigo like I do.
We were determined to reach the top take photos and have a short break before making our way
back down again, which is what we did when the skies opened up and the most
horrific weather started. Three hours later
soaked and full of mud we made it back down still pouring with rain and
windy we made our way back to the hotel.
After a well earned shower change of clothes and some food
we were ready for bed, it had been a long day and a good nights sleep we were
all ready for, unfortunately this was not going to happen because as we dropped
off to sleep we woke dreaming we were falling off snowdon, we couldn't help but
laugh. Obviously the experience of Snowdon had quite an effect on us. I think
we were all glad to return home the next day although all three of us have now
planned on climbing Cadair Idris next.
I think I can honestly say we are all glad we did it for all
the right reasons. Suzan."
Fields in Trust Best park Wales Nomination
August saw the opening of the Fields in Trust "Best Park" competition, we nominated our park and are awaiting the news on whether we've been recognised in this competition. Fields in Trust also awarded us our Green Flag Award and helps us apply for funding for the park. We are grateful for their support.
Summer Work Parties
A number of volunteers have been getting together this summer to help spruce up the park, Christine and Suzan have tackled invasive species such as the Himalayan Balsam where 1 flower can produce over 500 seeds which can stay viable for up to two years, so really a tricky plant to control. Despite being enjoyed by pollinators, the Balsam flowers later in the season and it is our goal to protect earlier flowering native species such as the Bluebells to support the pollinators. Additionally thanks to Margret and Maureen who have replanted the raised planters through the park, they are looking lovely. Thanks to all who have not yet been named!
Swansea Council Play Team
The Play Bus returned to the park again this year and put on free activities and crafts for the local children. A great outreach project and free event that the community can enjoy. With thanks to Swansea Council for funding this venture in our area.
Assembly Minister Visit
The Friends of Coedbach Park welcomed a visit from Rebecca Evans Assembly Minister today as she wanted to show her support for Coedbach Park being nominated for the Fields In Trust 'Best Parks Award'. The results of voting will be released soon.
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