Sunnybank Park Set For Transformation

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Dec 102010
 

By Grace Banks.

sunnybank-pic
The Sunnybank Park committee was delighted to hear last Thursday that Aberdeen City Council has given permission for us to develop the park into a community garden and allotments!

There is so much work to be done and some of the committee have already been working very hard to get prices and quotes, so that work can begin soon (weather permitting)!

Watch this space for further news!

Also Aberdeen Greenspace will be beginning work on paths and tree planting and BTCV (1) will be looking to start a Green Gym in March, where volunteers will come in to work in the park with support and supervision from the experienced staff.

We had a huge bulb planting this last month, so come spring the park will be a haze of snowdrops, daffodils and crocus, thanks to all who took part.

So although things may seem quiet when you visit the park, just like those bulbs preparing to give us a show of colour soon, the park will be changing to become more of a place for you and others to enjoy!

PS Please feed the hungry birds and thanks to those who are already doing so!

Grace Banks, secretary of Sunnybank Park

(1) http://www2.btcv.org.uk/display/home

Look Out for Millie!

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Oct 222010
 

With thanks to Grace Banks and Jenny Watson.

millie-pic
The launch of new book by Sheena Blackhall will serve as a warning to anyone thinking of taking a packed lunch beyond their own front door!

Millie is the tale of a beloved Dalmation dog who loves to steal sandwiches! She travels round the North East of Scotland stealing goodies from unsuspecting fishermen, golfers and posties.

Illustrated by Bob Dewar and edited by Bill Burnett, the book is written in Doric, with an English translation, and is published by the Reading Bus. (www.readingbus.co.uk)

The Reading Bus is a city-based service which delivers a highly innovative, motivating and successful literacy programme in the St Machar, Northfield and Torry Communities.  This ground breaking project has succeeded in promoting reading as a lifelong pleasure, raising attainment and achievement of children at risk of early failure and involving and empowering parents in their children’s learning.

The multi-coloured Reading Bus visits schools and community locations and welcomes onboard youngsters and families for a wide literacy programme including storytelling, author visits, read together sessions, poetry and puppet work.  The project also includes a film animation and radio programme as well as having its own in-house publishing company called ‘Bus Stop Press’.

Millie will be launched on Thursday 4th November 2010 and will be available in all good bookshops near you, at the bargain price of £5.99.

A Millie website, full of resources to complement the book will soon be launched. There will also be a Millie Tour onboard the Reading Bus with Sheena Blackhall which will take place in Aberdeenshire in November and December and Aberdeen City in January and February.

Watch out for Millie appearing near you!

Paradigm – Power In The Park.

 Articles, Community, Environment, Featured, Information  No Responses »
Aug 272010
 

By Grace Banks.

Paradigm Workers Lend A hand
On 13 August, Sunnybank Park was invaded by twelve of global software company Paradigm’s staff armed with chainsaws, strimmers and other maintenance equipment to attack the park’s overgrown state. Andy and Suzy, active supporters from Powis Gardeners came along to be the group’s guide and show them what was to be done.

They arrived at 9.30am and some stayed till 5.00pm – they just did not want to go home!
Andy was shown how to use his petrol mower and cut the bowling greens. Others strimmed and weeded all the drive entrance and the hedging. They dismantled and cleared broken benches and removed all the timber – to feed a wood-burning stove – as well as clearing other parts and cutting a path for dog walkers through the tangled grass.

when we arrived we were surprised by its beauty and peaceful setting

Paradigm’s Global Sales Director Robert Innes said, “Paradigm acknowledges its social responsibilities and encourages its staff to support local community projects. We first heard about the volunteering work at Sunnybank Park via Aberdeen Voice and with green space in Aberdeen under threat of closure or development we felt that it was a worthy cause to support.

“None of us had visited the Park before but when we arrived we were surprised by its beauty and peaceful setting but disappointed that it had been left to run down by its current owners.

“We hope our efforts will encourage other like-minded companies to give up a small amount of their time to make a big impact for the local community.”

Of Paradigm, Andy said, “A fantastic bunch of people who have done a power of work and so enthusiastic!”

A huge thanks from the friends of Sunnybank Park to all from Paradigm who participated and to Andy and Suzy for their ongoing support.

If any other company fancies getting their sleeves rolled up, there is plenty more to be done!

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