1st July 2005

Wanted: Blackwater Valley Volunteers!

Calling all Blackwater Valley Conservation Volunteers, past and present. We want you to get in touch so that you can help the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership celebrate 21 years of volunteering in the Valley at a Barn Dance to be held at Frimley on Saturday 23rd July.

It all started back in 1984 when the newly formed Blackwater Valley Conservation Volunteers carried out their very first task, rescuing plants from a pond in Sandhurst that was destined for redevelopment to restock a new pond being created in Watchmoor. Now 21 years later, after almost 1,000 volunteer tasks, contributing around 6,500 days’ work, valued at £360,000, the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership will be celebrating the occasion and are asking people who may once have volunteered to get in touch with them.

“We hope this celebration will be an opportunity for volunteers old and new to meet up again and perhaps ‘catch up’ with lost friends,” said Sue Dent Countryside & Access Officer at Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership who has been organising the evening. “The problem is that we have lost contact with many of our past volunteers, so would like them to get in touch with us and come along to this very special occasion.” 

If you have been involved with the Blackwater Valley Volunteers in the past and would like to come along on the 23^rd July, please get in touch with Sue Dent on 01252 331353, email blackwater.valley@hants.gov.uk or write to Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership, Ash Lock Cottage , Government Road, Aldershot GU11 2PS. Partners & families are welcome but it is essential that all tickets are booked in advance.

Even if you can’t make it on the 23^rd the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership would like to hear from anyone who has volunteered for them in the past. So if you or someone you know has been a Blackwater Valley Volunteer please tell them to get in touch.

END

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

Notes

• Volunteers play an important role in carrying out much of this vital maintenance work within  the Blackwater Valley. The Blackwater Valley Countryside Volunteers meet regularly every Tuesday, working at different locations in the area. If anyone is interested in joining them or would just like to find out more ring 01252 331353 or visit www.blackwater-valley.org.uk
• 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.
• Members of the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership are: Hampshire County Council, Surrey County Council; the District, Town and Borough Councils of Blackwater & Hawley, Bracknell Forest, Farnham, Guildford, Hart, Rushmoor, Sandhurst, Surrey Heath, Waverley, Wokingham and Yateley.