WEYMOUTH’S green spaces are much loved, and Greenhill Gardens have been well visited since they were gifted to the area by the council in 1902.
Iain Campbell, a committee member of The Friends of Greenhill Gardens has written to us to us on their tenth anniversary, reminding us of how the group have kept the gardens looking beautiful and have encouraged visitors to what he refers to as ‘the jewel in the crown of the Borough’s Gardens’.
The Friends of Greenhill Gardens (FOGG) formed in 2007 when the council proposed to build a large restaurant on part of the gardens, a proposal which resulted in almost universal condemnation from locals and raised a crowd of opposition.
Iain recalled: “This event led to the formation of FOGG who were opposed to the development but keen to keep the area for the purposes it was originally gifted.
“Eventually, the council withdrew the proposal largely as a result of the representations of FOGG and the support given to the Friends’ Group.
“It was a negative start but then the founding committee members wanted to ensure that this would never happen again.”
The group created a programme of events to encourage more people to come and enjoy the gardens and take in the scenic views across Weymouth Bay.
Events included a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, Halloween Pumpkins in the Park, and Christmas sing-a-longs.
Iain said: “What started ten years ago as a group to stop a proposed building, has developed into an activity plan for the gardens to ensure that they are kept as a recreational and useable area for generations to come.
“Any funds being collected by FOGG have been ploughed back in to the Gardens. FOGG has financed new railings and the repair of gates in the area. In 2013 a new bandstand appeared as a result of their work.”
FOGG is celebrating its ten year anniversary with a host of musical events in the gardens throughout the summer. All are welcome to enjoy the open air performances.
Here is the full list of events:
June 4 – The Weymouth Ukuleleans
June 17 – Civic Day Rita Ashworth in the Gardens talks about singer Marie Lloyd
June 18 - The Weymouth Ukulelean (Weldmar Hospice Event)
June 19 – Civic Week -- FOGG at former Tourist Information Office on Esplanade Weymouth
July 2 – The Quangle Wangle Choir
July 16 – The Silhouettes (Weldmar Hospice Event)
July 23 – Singer Tony Lowe (in aid of Terras Youth Team)
July 30 – Performer Tony Lowe (Weldmar Hospice Event)
August 13 – FOGG Sizzling Summer Fayre with Darron Garnett and Twirl Academy
August 20 – The Silhouettes
August 27 – Singer Tony Lowe
August 28 – Local band Replay
September 3 – The Weymouth Ukuleleans
October 13 – Race Night at Pilgrim House , Hope Square, Weymouth
November 17 – Quiz Night at Brewers Fayre Lodmoor, Weymouth
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