The things we do...
Through all of the activities detailed, from cake baking and selling, to weeding and
litter picking and raising funds for larger projects, we try to give back to the park the joy that it gives us.
Throughout the year we have a number of talks on the history, flora and fauna of the park. Recent events have included Nick Butterworth of 'Percy the Park Keeper' fame reading from his latest children's book, and a now annual Gardener's Question time where members can meet the park gardeners and learn more about their work and plans. Seasonal walks around the park with the park gardeners and rangers also regularly feature.
For details of our current programme see our Newsletter section.
FoCP have a number of ways in which you can contribute to maintaining the park as the lovely place it is. Dead-heading, gardening and litter picking groups meet regularly during the summer. The Food and Drink Festival and Christmas Wreath sale are annual events that rely on the support of members to be successful.
Volunteering is an opportunity to enjoy the park, working in company with other members to do something useful, and to have the satisfaction of seeing that your efforts have been worthwhile. Come and join us. Go to What's On or our Newsletter to find out when and where.
We have been successful in applying on behalf of the Borough Council for grants for cleaning the War Memorial. With the assistance of the CBC obtained an £8000 grant from Essex County Council towards the upgrade of the Helter Skelter and moving it to its new position.
We have donated £500 to the Friends of the Roman Wall towards an interpretation board at Duncan’s Gate. We funded two trees (one to mark 10 years of FoCP) and provided a new bench in remembrance of service personnel killed in action in Afghanistan.
We run stalls at park events, selling cakes and plants, and for many years have made Christmas wreaths to sell in the park each December.
We produce a newsletter with reports and updates from around the seasons in the park, plus details of key dates and developments.
The newsletters also include observations from the Rangers on Castle Park matters.