Park praised
Another successful year for Friends
The Friends of Cambuslang Park held a successful annual general meeting.
At the AGM, held in the Cambuslang Institute last Wednesday evening, the Friends were able to celebrate another successful year in the park, which has been transformed in recent years.
It was stressed that key to this was the successful partnership working between South Lanarkshire Council and the volunteers from the Friends.
Chairman Edward Cais gave his annual report, quoting a poem by William Wordsworth.
He said: “I wander’d lonely as a cloud, That floats on high o’er vales and hills; When all at once I saw a crowd, A host of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.”
Edward continue: “If William Wordsworth had been living in Scotland today, I am sure that Cambuslang Park around the Preaching Braes could have supplied the inspiration for his poem, The Daffodils.
“Now, of course, the lower pond is not of Lake District lake proportions, it possesses neither a bay nor sparkling waves, and I’m not entirely sure about the 10,000 daffodils, but there is no doubt whatsoever about the beautiful sight that greets your eyes as you descend the steps into the park close to the memorial cairn.
“This has been my first year as the Friends of Cambuslang Park chairperson. Norman Rae’s six-year reign as founding chairperson would have been a hard act to follow but for the good-natured support of Norman himself, my fellow office-bearers and the rest of the committee. I do enjoy being kept right when getting something wrong!
“The Friends have experienced another full year of regular annual events, including spring and autumn clean-ups and planting, Teddy Bears’ Picnic, Family Fun Day, Bark in the Park, nature walks, Hallowe’en Party, Back in Time and carol singing. Each event generates its own particular atmosphere and is enjoyed and greatly appreciated by the participants. That is evident from the comments people make to us.
“The splendid appearance of the Park and the success of these events may be attributed to the dedication and partnership working approach of South Lanarkshire Council staff and the Friends. The assistance of volunteers at events is also greatly appreciated.
“Nevertheless, a lot of work falls upon a few shoulders and the Friends continue to address the issue of how to attract fresh blood and new members in order to continue the good work, maintain the park in its restored state, and develop it by seeking further improvements.
“It bears repeating that this remains the aim of the Friends, so that more and more people perceive the park as a safe place to visit for enjoyment of nature, relaxation, exercise and play. The word is spread by word of mouth and publicity.
“In the latter regard, the Rutherglen Reformer has been excellent, devoting pages and pages over the year to pictures, reports and announcements of activities in the Park.
“Eternal vigilance is required to keep litter, graffiti and vandalism at bay. These issues have been much reduced in extent, but they still rear their ugly heads. In this regard, the Friends are very grateful for the positive partnership the council and the Friends enjoy with the community police, whose constant patrols by both uniformed and plainclothes police serve to contain these forms of antisocial behaviour.
“It was a highlight of the year when, in August, South Lanarkshire Council and the Friends received a Green Flag Award for Cambuslang Park. It was a tremendous accolade, since a park or green space is assessed against eight criteria relating to whether it: is welcoming; is healthy, safe and secure; is clean and well-maintained; is sustainable; manages conservation and heritage; has community involvement; markets itself; and has good management. The challenge now is to retain Green Flag status and the Friends are confident that they and their South Lanarkshire Council partners are up to that challenge!”
After the meeting, Edward told the Reformer: “We receive many favourable, indeed glowing, comments from users about the park, for which we are extremely grateful. There are ideas for further improvements, but even sustaining the park in its restored condition requires a great deal of organisation and work. We enjoy doing this together very much, but we could use some more heads and pairs of hands.
“So we would like to appeal to those of your readers who know and love the park and wish it to be there for them and their children, to consider contributing a little of their time to that end.
“Also, if anyone would like to be involved in organising events, they would be very welcome. They should please contact the Friends of Cambuslang Park on our website at www.cambuslangpark.co.uk by completing the incredibly short join us form.”