Projects

The Friends have organised numerous projects which include:

Funding

The Friends working in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Council applied to Waste Recycle Environment (WREN) for funding for new play equipment on the Duke of York Gardens and were awarded £137,000 which will also provide a Teen Shelter. Work will start in early June 2008 and will be complete in time for the school summer holidays.

9 vandal proof Park Seats have been provided through 2 funding bodies including the Environmental Community Pot and Neighbourhood Renewal Funding. The benches cost about £1,000 each.

A former unused changing room has been converted into a Community Building which will provide a much needed resource on the park. It provides a base of operation for projects and events and is used by the Community Wardens, PCSO's and Grounds Maintenance as well as other community groups including the Friends of the Freshney.

Funding has also been secured to improve the security of a bridge to an island which is a haven for wildlife. Vandals have been seen attacking the waterfowl and smashing eggs. Macaulay Primary school donated £200 and North East Lindsey Drainage Board donated £323 to make the bridge secure.

During the winter of 2006 a group of (insane) volunteers including Chris Scott, Pete Allen and Andy Bratton Kayaked from Laceby to Grimsby Yacht Club to raise awareness to the ambitions of the Friends of the Freshney and draw attention to an art and photographic auction which was to benefit the Friends. Paintings were supplied by local artists Pete Allen and Andy Bratton; photographs were supplied by Chris Scott. The event was supported by Robin Kevan (Rob the Rubbish) and his wife who travelled all the way from Wales.

www.robtherubbish.co.uk

Back to top

Litterpicks and River Clearance

Over 20 litter picks and river clearances areas have resulted in over 12 tonnes of rubbish being removed since the Friends were formed. Areas cleared include the Willows Estate to the Town Centre. The latest river clearance took place in May 2008 when we were assisted by local businesses, Conoco, Total and Wilkin Chapman as part of Business in the Community's National Cares Day. In total 1.5 tonnes was removed that day which included 5 Bicycles, a moped, 3 shopping trolleys, a sun lounger, 2 carpets and a mattress to name but a few. A suspect knife was also found which was handed in to Humberside Police

Back to top

Art Projects

To enhance the Duke of York Gardens and help inspire young people the Friends have commissioned a number of art projects. A former prefabricated changing room was painted and refurbished for community use. Metal work adorns the building which was designed by local Artist Rachel McWilliam and a "Goudy" style bench was designed by Gill Hobson, both artists worked with children from Littlecoates Primary School.

Local Wood Carver, Pat O'Carroll from Green Heart was also commissioned to turn a dying tree into a work of art, Pat was assisted by Emma Skinner and local children who helped with the carving. Pat also held wood carving workshops on the Duke of York Gardens which proved extremely popular with young people. Further wood carving workshops are planned through 2008.

Back to top

Land Clearances

Three large scale land clearances have taken place. Certain areas had become no go areas for the general public and suffered from countless vandals attacks, bins were burned, benches were ripped out and hedges were burned by gangs of anti social youths. The Friends removed the benches and hedges which opened up the area making it less attractive for gangs to congregate.
Young People

We have done numerous presentations to local schools and scout groups highlighting the importance of respecting the wildlife and promoting environmental issues including recycling and creating a sustainable future.

We have organised field trips, nature trails and pond dipping excursions and have performed litter surveys to highlight the problems caused by dropping litter and the effect it can have on the wildlife.

We have recognised and rewarded young people who have been proactive in helping to make the park a safer, cleaner place. So far the Friends have rewarded 18 young people for their efforts.

Back to top

Community Groups

Chris has delivered numerous talks and presentations to community groups. His presentations are crammed with his own local photographs showing the hidden gems and little known areas that never fail to surprise and delight the audience. The presentations are free of charge however any donations are greatly appreciated.

Chris recently resigned as Chairman of the local Neighbourhood Forum to concentrate on the Friends of the Freshney.

We have helped run various community based activities including fun runs and a Treasure Hunt and were instrumental in organising the 1st West Marsh Forward Community Fun Day on the Duke of York Gardens which was attended by 400 - 500 people.

Back to top

Days of Action

The Friends have organised numerous Days of Action which enhanced the park with painting projects, weeding, planting and other maintenance tasks. 100's of volunteers have helped over the years and they have made a huge difference to the look and feel of the park.