PARK NEEDS NEW LEASE OF LIFE
Added: (Tue Jan 20 2009)
Pressbox (Press Release) -
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Houghton-le-Spring’s Rectory Park, once the exclusive and private grounds of St Michael & All Angels’ illustrious rectors, is approaching its 60th birthday, and plans are afoot to form a “Friends of” group to help look after the park.
Located in the centre of Houghton, the park is the centrepiece of the town and is home to an expanse of ancient trees, an ornate fountain and pond. The ancient Gilpin Thorn bush, and the magnificent Rectory building.
The park is an ideal place to visit for a spot of exercise, fresh air or to take in a wide range of wildlife, including grey squirrels. But as nice as the park is, it could do with a helping hand:
Paul Lanagan, 28, a local historian, said:
“Every Houghtonian has memories of visiting Rectory Park, whether it was for a walk as a child, or even larking around in the pond as a teenager, or best of all visiting the Houghton Feast illuminations. But as the Park approaches it’s 60th anniversary it is in need of a helping hand, and now is the ideal time for the community to get together and be proactive.”
PUBLIC MEETING
A meeting is being held in the Community Room in Kepier Hall, behind St Michael & All Angels Church, Houghton-le-Spring, on January 22nd at 7:00pm. Anyone interested in the Park’s future is invited to come along, where it is proposed that a “Friends of” group can be formed.
Should a Friends of Houghton Rectory Park group be formed, it is hoped it will become a part of SONG – Sunderland Open spaces Network Group – which links all of the Friends of City of Sunderland’s park groups together.
PARK & RECTORY HISTORY
A detailed history of the Park, Rectory and Gilpin Thorn can be found online at:
http://www.houghtonlespring.org.uk/park
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Paul Lanagan
Email: houghtonfeast@hotmail.co.uk
ENDS