20th March 2010

We stepped into the country

Willow weaving, fossil plaques, finger puppets and wood carving were just some of the many activities that formed part of the ‘Step into the Country’ event held at the West End Centre on Saturday 20th March. Despite the weather a steady stream of people walked through the doors to find out about their local countryside sites and conservation groups, to watch the crafts people making items such as hazel hurdles and woven trugs or to have a go at the many activities on offer.

Organised by the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership as part of Hampshire County Council’s ‘Culture All’ promotion, the event bought together people from many different sections within Hampshire’s Culture, Communities and Rural Affairs department. Countryside , Arts, Museums and Libraries were all represented. Local groups attending included Brickfields Country Park, Cove Brook Greenway Group, Fleet & District Beekeepers, Fleet Pond Society, Hampshire Coppice Group, the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Hampshire Conservation Volunteers, Rowhill Nature Reserve Society, RSPB Hampshire, Rushmoor Biodiversity, Wavell Wood Carvers and the Yateley Common Rangers.

“This is a first time event,“ explained Christine Reeves, Visitor Promotions Officer at the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership, who co-ordinated the event,  “and initially we were apprehensive about how well it would go, but in the end it was a fantastic day, everyone enjoyed themselves, there were loads of activities for visitors to try and the feedback has been brilliant.”

To tie in with the event local schools
were invited to take part in a special artwork competition inspired by their local countryside. This was won by Marlborough Country Infant School with their fantastic mural. Jo Baines from the school was there to receive the prize.

As part of the day’s activities there was  a three-mile guided walk, organised by the Blackwater Valley Walkers ‘ Link, around the local area including a special tour around Rowhill Nature Reserve.

When asked to comment on the day Barney Jeavons the West End Centre Manger simply said, “It’s been great.”

For further information contact:
Christine Reeves, Visitor Promotions Officer on 01252 331353.
Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership,
Ash Lock Cottage, Government Road, Aldershot GU11 2PS.