Friends celebrate
Volunteers thank community for support
Friends of Cambuslang Park marked their tenth anniversary this month by celebrating all those who have supported their efforts over the past decade.
The group, set up with the aim of restoring the park to its former glory, has paid special thanks to all their partners who have made that mission possible.
The vote of thanks was the central topic of discussion at the friends’ recent annual general meeting.
Edward Cais, chairman of the group, thanked several partners including South Lanarkshire Council, Project 31 and Police Scotland.
Mr Cais said: “With the year 2016-2017 the Friends of Cambuslang Park reach and can deservedly celebrate their tenth anniversary. This is no mean feat for a small group of local people who wish to see their park flourish and serve as a place where people can come to enjoy themselves in a variety of ways.
“Much of this success is down to the partnership working which has been carefully fostered over the years. I would like to make this form of cooperative working the theme of this year’s meeting.
“We are proud to have received Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Green Flag Award for the last three years. This achievement is supported by the holding of regular meetings between the park’s area manager, the South Lanarkshire Council landscape and environment officer and the friends.”
Mr Cais also said his organisation was indebted to Project 31 for its input in various events.
He said Project 31 allowed children living near the park to take part in high quality, appropriate play and recreational activities which promote their right to freely participate in cultural life and the arts.
Police in Cambuslang were also thanked for their speedy response in dealing with anti-social behaviour in the park.
Mr Cais added: “It would be true to say that there is a fourth partnership: the local community, without whom the events we put on would not be much fun. So a big thank you to them for coming along and participating.”
He went on to thank the councillors in the area, some of whom stepped down last month, for their many years of support and encouragement.
The friends ran a full programme of free events throughout the year, including a spring clean-up and planting, the Teddy Bears’ Picnic, Family Fun Day, Bark in the Park, a Hallowe’en party, Back in Time and carol singing.
The Love Your Park event and a quiz were also held as fundraisers for the organisation.
Anyone who wishes to support Friends of Cambuslang Park can get in touch via their website, www.cambuslangpark. co.uk, via Facebook, or by coming to one of the committee meetings held on the second Tuesday of the month at 7pm in Cambuslang Institute.