On Saturday, our group went on a site visit of the Dane Valley Fisheries where the Rudheath Community Orchard and Dane Valley theatre is planned.

Also present were Northwich Guardian reporter Beth Allcock and Pete Attwood from the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers. (BTCV) We pegged out the site and took some measurements; I could really get a feel for how the orchard would look. A gaggle of swans flew overhead, one crashed into a tree and waddled off, embarrassed!

The next day was Rudheath and Witton Together Big Fun Day organised by a committee of locals and lead by the wonderful Town Mayor Alison Gerard.

It was a fun-packed day as hundreds turned out to watch bands, or play on the bouncy castles and amusements. We held a stall there promoting Grozone and the Orchard, and the Northwich Anglers who are offering youngsters the chance to train in angling with qualified coaches.

The kids certainly enjoyed the little Hook A Fish attraction on our stall as well as our Human Powered Fruit Machine manned by Vale Royal Environment Networks’ Anthony Powell. Cynthia Moore from Grozone also showed people a simple bean planter made out of newspaper, and showed off the bird boxes made at Grozone. We ended up with two new volunteers, taking our group up to eight members.

Just the long hard slog now to get funded!

I was very encouraged to see so many getting involved in Groundwork’s consultation for Rudheath and Witton Together. It is vital we gather people’s views so that we can invest the time and money into improving and supporting the Rudheath neighbourhood. I feel inspired by all the people I met and by all the great volunteers and partners we work with.

Have your say by calling the Neighbourhood Working Team on 01606 353536 to find out where the next consultation event will be.

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