News Archive
Peskies Park Revisted
Posted by Stephen Light on 26 Oct 2005 in the small hours
We had a great time completing phase 2 of our transformation of Peskies Park on Saturday 22. Click 'more' to read Miriam Dyer's write up...
It was 8:00am and my mobile was flashing loudly as strange noises emanated from it. Why was I up at this hour? Oh yes, that’s right, I volunteered my inexpert hands to assist at a children’s, residents and students Party in the Park. Well more of a Community gardening project to be exact with support from the local Resident’s group, Neville’s Cross Primary school and King’s Church Durham. Peskie’s Park at the back of Hawthorn Terrace, Crossgate’s Village (otherwise known as the Viaduct to you and me) was the location. Revisited the name as it was part two of a summer project where the swings and play areas in particular had been spruced up amongst other things. Bleary eyed I drew my curtains to look out on a drizzly Mildert lake before heading out. Halfway and already soaked I stopped to text one of the organisers to see if it was still on despite prevailing weather conditions. “Yes!” was the chirpy reply and “oh err bring waterproofs!” Great. Thanks Chris Now why didn’t I think of that back in the warmth of college? However I arrived to discover a small park and volunteers of all ages eagerly digging out a trench in the shape of a spiral for what was to be a living willow tree sculpture and marking out flower beds for daffodils. This was going to be wet, extremely muddy and a wee bit cold but good fun!
After helping to dig the trench I eagerly got stuck in to helping some of the local school kids select and plant the willow branches after which we were shown how to bend and weave them together so they formed a tunnel. With a 10year old for my weaving partner I was all set to start when she started pointing out the best methods for doing it and checking the direction of my work, firmly correcting me and putting me in my place. A very sensible little lass she was and with my height advantage and her expert skills we had soon finished our section. We moved onto planting bulbs where expertise was thrown out of the proverbial window and random bulb throwing was the name of the game. “It’ll look more natural that way,” someone said. Pre-season snowball fights were initiated. Daffodil bulbs are indeed a perfect substitute…
By this time the volunteers were getting hungry so I headed over to the BBQ to over my services. By the time a 100 or so burgers had been consumed we cooks stood back to eat our own whilst having a childish competition to see who could write the best names in mustard or tomato sauce. Artistic talent was high. Over tea I chatted to someone from the local residents group who was very pleased with how the day had gone and impressed at the number of people who had turned up on a rainy Saturday morning. One of the organisers was thrilled with the day and described the project as a real success. A good time was had by all and more of a community spirit cultivated and it just goes to show what a bunch of volunteers can do in spite of a rainy day so get out there and get involved. There is plenty you can do with various societies and organisations as a one off or long term. Highly recommended.
