21st October 2005

Working round Wellington

Although Aldershot’s historic Wellington Statue was restored to its former glory last year, bracken and bramble on the mound is starting to take hold, so volunteers are being invited to help give the area an autumn tidy-up on Sunday 30th October.

The 40-tonne bronze of Wellington on his charger Copenhagen occupies a prominent position alongside the A325 and looks resplendent after extensive restoration work, but the problem is the shrubs and plants growing on the surrounding mound, which
could get out of control if they are not cut back. Although the Rhododendron, Laurel and Birch, which had grown up around the stature obscuring it from view, were largely removed in the original restoration, bracken and bramble are opportunist plants and are now trying to establish themselves in the newly cleared area.  It is vital to get as many people as possible on the day to help remove it.

Friends of the Aldershot Military Museum together with Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership have
organised a bracken and bramble bash on Sunday 30th October and invite anyone who would like to help to meet in the car park by the statue at 10.30am. Work will continue through to 3.30pm.

“Everyone one is welcome to come along even if it’s only for an hour or so,” said Paul Vickers Chairman of the Friends of the Aldershot Military Museum. “The more people who turn up the greater the area we will be able to clear.”

“No special skills are required as tools and training are provided, “ said Sue Dent, Countryside and Access Officer for Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership. “Anyone coming should wear outdoor clothing, boots or wellies and waterproofs. Children under 16 are welcome but they must be accompanied by an adult.”

For more information about the day contact Sue Dent on 01252 331353.

END

For more information contact:
Christine Reeves, Visitor Promotions Officer on 01252 331353.    

Notes

• The Wellington Statue was restored early last year to mark the 150^th anniversary celebrations of the Army presence in Aldershot in April. The bronze statue was cleaned and repaired, the brink plinth cleaned and the mound cleared of plants and encroaching shrubs which had shrouded the entire monument.
• The Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership (BVCP) is funded by the County, District and Parish Councils along the River Blackwater. It works to promote community action in conservation and recreation and to protect the Valley for the enjoyment and well being of the whole community.