St George's Ladies Group

Our charity for 2004-5 has been Friends of Parkwood, Park Wood, being an area of woodland situated between Wallis Road and Queens Road. It is a haven for small mammals, birds, butterflies and moths. The "Friends" are a dedicated group of volunteers who give their time at weekends to maintain the wood, by cutting back fast growing shrubs and vegetation, maintaining pathways, putting nest boxes in the many mature trees and all the other jobs that need to be carried out to make it a pleasant, quiet haven at the side of the busy London Road.

We were invited to visit Park Wood on the evening of June 9th and were very impressed by how much work has already been carried out. In the middle of the wood is a sculpture of an enormous pair of feet! The two wardens who guided us on our tour were very helpful and willing to answer any questions we may have asked.

Thursday 23rd June was our AGM and Anne Brown was re-elected as Chairperson, also the Treasurer reported that our charity fund total had reached £500.

Our "Garden Party" and Charity presentation on July 7th was a happy and relaxed occasion, our guests included Linda Sheffield representing Father Mike, also Jackie Buckley and Martin Hodgkinson "Friends of Parkwood". We were pleased to be able to present Jackie with a cheque for £500. This will help them to purchase much needed equipment, vital to keep the wood in good order.

Our end of year meal on 14th July was at "The Fox and Hounds" Denmead, a lovely old pub, well worth a visit. With good food, drink and friends, a perfect ending to our year.

June Bradley