Arrowe Country Park

at the Very Heart of Wirral

COLLATION OF HISTORY - Of course, our aims
include working positively towards the future of a
sustainable, well-maintained, life-full Park, beginning
in the present, here and now; but alas, first we must
defend the boundaries. We are pleased to say, that we
are beginning to gather together a valuable collection
of photos, recounts and memorabilia of inestimable
Community value. Watch this space - to be published!
Thus we will be seeing more, 'People of The Park', and ask all members and friends to forward anything of interest, including oral testimony. We must thank, in addition, Les Holloway, ex Park-worker, John Fenna, (Greenkeeper), and as usual, Angus Tilston, for photograph recovery. WATCH THIS SPACE!

CAUSES FOR CONCERN/REPRESENTATION We continue to raise issues concerning the clear lack of resources/staffing and maintenance, i.e. 'neglect' of our Park. Our concerns increase, in unison with other 'Friends' groups, in the face of yet more threatened 'cuts'. We are advised that, in government terms, Parks, are not essential. Of course, and in fact, 'Parks' are top of the world agenda, now, most seriously, as desperate measures are attempted, in the consciousness of the threat/actuality of 'climate change'. 'Green space', the maintenance of, is now a life or death matter; any destruction of it, is a grave attack on all our survival. Thus it is short-sighted madness to attack 'Parks'. The link is conveniently avoided. We must vociferously draw attention to it…and keep doing so!

We thank the 'Friends Representatives', on the 'Wirral Parks Partnership' group, who liase directly with the local authority decision- makers, David Cowling and Head of Regeneration, Alan Stennard. We hope to be given the opportunity of direct liaison at the debating table, very soon, with these personnel who make these seriously impacting decisions. We also advise all members to lobby and canvass your own area councillors, for urgent attention to conserving and maintaining Arrowe Country Park.

FINANCE/COMMUNITY INITIATIVE FUND
In June we applied for approx. £400 Area Funding. We are advised that we will know the result of our bid, around 6th Sept.

CO-OPERATIVE BANK Initial admin. Difficulties seem to have sorted out, and 'The Co-op', in recognition of their part in the problem, awarded a £25 payment. For now, we will carry on a trial period. We thank Phil Josling for the info. Re. an alternative bank, and may pursue at a later date. Our account balance stands at around £1600.
MEMBERSHIP We currently lack a Membership Secretary, and thus, given all energy being directed into 'Warrens Campaign', have not been free to take on a 'Membership Drive'. However, it must be said, that, also, because of the issue of the threat to 'The Warrens Demonstration Area', we have attracted a much wider involvement from the general public, though not stipulating that membership of 'Friends of Arrowe Country Park', was a pre-requisite for involvement. The meeting we arranged on 3rd July, at Thingwall Recreation Centre, was extremely well attended by approx. 120 people; almost ALL in opposition to 'development' on this Greenbelt Parkland. We anticipate that many of those attending may well join us as fully paid up members in the near future, and if and when, resources allow, that recruitment will be encouraged.

GOOD NEWS! GOOD NEWS! GOOD NEWS!
Derek Jackson has kindly begun to set up a web-site for FACP. It is in it's early stages. Suggestions welcome.

GOOD NEWS 2 'Dale Farm', Social Services Training Centre, for Adults with Learning Difficulty, are now temporarily housed at The Warrens Nurseries.
THEY ARE SELLING ORGANICALLY GROWN VEGETABLES, AND IN NEED OF CUSTOMERS. They are open weekdays, between about 11 and 3 o'clock. PLEASE SUPPORT THEM. They are doing a great job. PLEASE WELCOME THEM, AND BUY! Customers may 'drive in'.
Manager: Mark Diggory phone: 648 5629

GOOD NEWS 3 ?.. We are advised that the local conservation group, 'L A 21', usually housed in Gorsey Lane, Wallasey, will be moving in to 'Warrens Glasshouse Area'. (Info. From Cllr.)