Egg hunt and litter pick to boost protection society (From Dorset Echo)

Egg hunt and litter pick to boost protection society

2:30pm Wednesday 20th March 2013 in News By Martin Lea

IT’S almost that time of the year when egg-citing things are happening if you go down to the woods in Weymouth.

The Easter Egg Hunt organised by the Society for the Protection of Markham and Little Francis is on this weekend.

The event, which is popular with families, is now in its fifth year and is an opportunity for locals to have fun in a green area while also providing treats for children.

The society has been campaigning to protect the Town Green, a piece of open land used for recreation and leisure within Markham or Little Francis, also known as Curtis Fields, near Lanehouse.

Members are involved in a long-running battle over the land, which is owned by a developer, and organise events to raise awareness and funds. Last year the Court of Appeal upheld the High Court’s decision to revoke the Town Green’s protective status. The society has been given leave to appeal the case in the Supreme Court, and this will be heard next year.

Society chairman Gill Taylor, pictured right, said the egg hunt wasn’t a fundraising event as the society just about covers its costs organising it. But it raised awareness of the importance of having a space for the community.

She said: “This year it will be on March 24 starting at 11am.

“We’re moving it to a more woody area so we will be putting signs up on the day from Markham Ave directing parents and children to the area we are using.

“We have limited tickets available so that everyone who has a ticket will find an egg so come early to avoid disappointment.”

Volunteers will be grabbing bags and gloves for the annual ‘green clean’ to spruce up the Town Green the day before the egg hunt. All are welcome to come and help at 10am on March 23. Gloves and bags will be provided.