The HLF bid has been boosted by a generous donation from The Friends of Poole Park – as part of the match funding required to support the bid!
Half the amount donated comes directly from the Friends group own funds, the rest having been raised by their ‘Back the Bid’ campaign which included fundraising activities such as collection boxes, raffles and tombolas, hoopla, hook a duck, lucky dip and name the teddy stalls at a range of events over the last few years.
Michael Collins, Chairman of The Friends of Poole Park said: “It gives The Friends of Poole Park great pleasure and pride to be able to present a donation of over £20,000 to Martin Whitchurch and the HLF Bid Team.
“Many people have volunteered their time and energy to help in the ‘Back The Bid’ fundraising campaign, but I would like to make special mention of Moira Muir who did much to organise the campaign, but who very sadly passed away in late 2016. I’d also like to mention that The Friends of Poole Park are still actively campaigning and fundraising to help assure the future of our wonderful park, and to ask those who are keen to see its preservation to join The Friends via our website, and help.”
Mayor of Poole, Cllr Xena Dion, who received the cheque on 20th January at The Friends of Poole Park’s new Pop Up Shop in Ashley Cross, said: “On behalf of Borough of Poole, I would like to thank The Friends of Poole Park for their generosity. The fantastic amount donated is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the volunteers and their supporters and helps us get that much closer to securing significant investment in one of Poole’s most popular and historic open spaces.”
Martin Whitchurch, Poole Park Life Project Manager, Borough of Poole, said: “We’re in the final stages of preparing our bid for submission on 28 February 2017 and this donation is a welcomed addition. The money will help fund new play equipment ensuring the park continues to be a place for children to enjoy themselves and have fun. Poole Park has a special place in many peoples’ hearts and we are really excited about the plans for its future.”
First published at www.poole.gov.uk