Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Happy crowds celebrate the wonder of Westgate Gardens
An open day attracted big crowds to the Westgate Gardens and Toddlers’ Cove as more than 1,000 visitors joined in activities, games and nature and history trails.
The spectacle was organised by The Friends of the Westgate Gardens and aimed at showcasing the improvements that have taken place over the last three years after the city council’s successful ‘Parks for People’ Heritage Lottery bid.
The most recent projects include the painting of a spectacular mural in the Toddlers’ Cove underpass and designer Steve Portchmouth’s eyecatching bull sculpture on Tannery Field.
A self-led trail drew visitors to the bull, which now holds court over the beautiful wildflower meadow in Tannery Field.
A celebration of project achievements and presentations was hosted by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, Cllr George and Lillian Metcalfe.
The mayor presented the volunteer of the year award to Dawn Horne, who is a stalwart of the Friends of Westgate Parks volunteer team and tackles numerous conservation tasks.
The day’s attractions included children’s art and craft activities, birds of prey displays and the chance to ‘pedal power’ a smoothie drink, write a pebble poem or try archery.
Three donkeys from the Faversham rescue centre Happy Endings met the children, reflecting the era when don- key rides were a popular feature of Toddlers’ Cove.
Mrs Back to Front staged Punch and Judy and magic shows, while youngsters had their faces painted by Funtastic Faces.
Visitors were also able to discover some of the creatures that can be found in the Stour, with riverdipping sessions staged by Canterbury and District Angling Association and the Riverfly Partnership.
Experts from the Canterbury Archaeological Trust were on hand next to the Rheims Way underpass to talk about previous dig findings, although heavy rain during the week meant the planned community archaeological dig was postponed.
But there was a chance to discover more about Roman life, with talks and displays of armour, weapons and everyday items by re-enactment group De Bello Cantium.
Westgate Parks officer Anna Bell said: “It was a fantastic day. Everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves and I’d like to say a massive thank you to all those that came along and the Friends of Westgate Parks volunteers for all their hard work.”