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Bunting World Record Attempt
Can you help The Parks Trust make Milton Keynes a record breaker by helping to create the longest line of bunting in the world? That’s the question Parks Trust rangers have put to local people, schools and community groups as part of this year’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
Julie Dawes, Events Coordinator at The Parks Trust, said: “The current world record was set by Malbank Secondary school, Nantwich in 2010 with 2,737.72m of bunting or 1.7 miles. We’re aiming for 12,500 triangles (or 2.5 miles) so if every single child in MK makes just one triangle then we would beat the previous record by miles!
As it’s the Jubilee year the Trust is asking for bunting to represent the commonwealth countries of the world; this could be flags of commonwealth countries or pictures depicting the different country’s culture, national animal, sport etc.
Bunting flags should be sewn onto bias binding tape leaving 40cm clear at each end of the tape so that it can be attached to the record breaking attempt. You can download a bunting template here and further instructions here.
All entries should be handed into The Parks Trust Headquarters at Campbell Park Pavilion by Friday 25th May 2012. The bunting will be exhibited for everyone to see in Campbell Park on Tuesday 5th June 2012 2-6pm at The Parks Trust’s Diamond Jubilee Garden Party.
Passionate About Parks
It’s no surprise to find that people in Milton Keynes are passionate about their parks but staff at The Parks Trust were delighted when market research showed just how much people love their greenery here. One resident even went so far as to say “They’re (the parks) lovely places to go – Milton Keynes’ biggest strength.”
The Parks Trust commissioned the market research to find out how people use their parkland, what they feel about it and what they would like to see improved or different about it.
The research showed that 94 per cent* of people questioned think that their parks are well maintained; nine out of ten said that they valued them and 60 per cent were able to name an inspirational park.
The most inspirational park was Willen Lake North, followed by Willen Lake South, Campbell Park, Furzton Lake and Caldecotte Lake. Over half of respondents, 56 per cent, visit a park at least once a week. The main reasons were for walking (31 per cent), a family outing (20 per cent), walking the dog (17 per cent) or visiting a children’s play area (nine per cent). Other popular reasons were cycling, running or attending an event.
Three out of ten have experienced a “special moment” in a park, including celebrating a milestone birthday, going on a date, making a life-changing decision, falling in love, and proposing to someone or accepting a proposal.
David Foster, Chief Executive of The Parks Trust, said: “The Trust is celebrating 20 years of caring for the parks so it’s really encouraging to know that people value them and think they are well looked after. We invest almost £5 million a year in them and this is all funded through our commercial property and investments – making the parks completely free for residents and visitors to use.”
The survey also revealed that people would like to see more dog bins, litter bins and toilets, as well as more maps and information about the parks on signage.
David continued: “It’s very helpful to see people’s suggestions and some of them are already being addressed. We’re installing new signage which includes maps and information about what you can see and do in our parks and we actively work with parish councils who wish to put in dog bins. As a self-financing charity all our expenditure has to be carefully considered for its total benefits to enhancing and maintaining the parks and we have long term plans to introduce new features and facilities that meet the needs and aspirations of residents and visitors.”
The research was undertaken by Stony Stratford based market research company, Start Up Research. They held focus groups, conducted face to face interviews with 613 Milton Keynes’ residents in parks and in locations around Milton Keynes and analysed responses from 122 people who completed an online survey. Further technical information on the research can be obtained from chris.brookes@start-up-research.co.uk.
Volunteer Seasonal Ranger (May - September)
The Parks Trust is looking for three volunteers to help support its community work over the busy summer period. The successful applicants will be involved in delivering the Trust’s education programme, helping to run public events and co-leading conservation tasks. The post would suit somebody who is pursuing a career in countryside work and looking for valuable experience. A flexible approach is necessary as hours may vary.
Hours: 3 days per week
Salary: Volunteer position
Closing date: Monday 12th March 2012
Interview: Thursday 22nd March 2012
To view a job description click here
To apply: please send your CV and a covering letter by Monday 12th March 2012 to Diane Liness, The Parks Trust, Campbell Park Pavilion,1300 Silbury Boulevard, Campbell Park, Milton Keynes, MK9 4AD or by email to d.liness@theparkstrust.com.
If you require any further information or would like an informal chat about the position, contact Martin Kincaid on 01908 255376 or m.kincaid@theparkstrust.com.
Don't Dice With Ice!
The Parks Trust is urging people to keep away from frozen lakes and waterways. Dawn Morland, Community Ranger at The Parks Trust, said: “Our rangers regularly patrol the parks to ensure that visitors and wildlife are safe in these icy conditions – please do not attempt to go onto ice it may be thin and you could go under.”
The advice of the SaferMK community safety partnership, whose members include The Parks Trust and Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service, is:
- Keep away from the water’s edge and under no circumstances go on to the ice.
- Be extra vigilant with young children close to the water’s edge.
- Keep your dog under control near frozen water.
- If you see an accident on the ice, call 999 straight away. Do not attempt to go out on to the ice yourself.
- Wear warm clothing and sturdy footwear.
If you see an animal you believe to be in distress on the ice it’s best to report it to the RSPCA on 0300 123 4999.
5th February Parks and Run is Cancelled
Snow has finally arrived and as a result the Parks and Run event planned for 5th February in Linford Manor Park has been cancelled. We apologise for any disappointment but we want our park runners to be safe in these adverse conditions.
The next Parks and Run will take place from Campbell Park Pavilion on Sunday 4th March at 10am.
