Friends of Lodmoor Country Park

Come and join us

Lots to enjoy and the chance to earn treats & win prizes,

thanks to the generosity of Morrisons, the RSPB,

the Leisureranch & Cresta Run, Sandworld, Weymouth Pitch & Putt

& the Rio Grande Miniature Railway.

Fun & games to encourage everyone to explore & discover the features of Lodmoor Country Park.

Activities for all the family, from the (gentle) Green Gym Jog to

the Tai Chi taster session.

Dr Bike will be on hand to give advice on safety checks for your cycles;

Travel Dorset has provided walking & cycling info, maps and freebies.

Complete the Green Gym Jog for a free raffle ticket!

Lodmoor Ahoy! starts at 1.00 p.m.,

the Green Gym Jog Raffle draw is at 3.15 p.m.

The Winning Design:

A picture is worth a thousand words...

Let's hope this one, by Georgia Collins, encourages dog walkers to

co-operate, and help to make the Lodmoor Play Park

a happy, healthy place for everyone to enjoy.

Play Park Signs Revealed!

After the poster competition for pupils at St. John's School, liaison with the W&PBC Parks Dept., excellent service from Kevin Swindell at Wyke Print Solutions and a press call where winning artist 12 year old Georgia Collins revealed the finished signs, we are ready to ask all dog walkers to "Keep dogs under CLOSE control" in the Lodmoor Play Park.

Almost time for our Sparkle in the Park!

And this year we have music too, as the

BRASS BUTTONS DUO

will be playing jolly seasonal tunes

that we can all jingle along to!

Another FREE family event, everyone welcome.

Join us making jam jar lanterns, decorations

and jingle bells under the gazebos beside

the Galleon Play Area / Green Gym Station 3.

All materials provided (but bring a jam jar if you want).

Children must bring an adult to share the fun with.

The Rio Grande Miniature Railway will be running,

all decorated for Christmas.

Hot and cold drinks will be on sale at the Station.

ACTIVITIES START AT 3.30 p.m.

WALK THROUGH THE CANDLELIT WOODLAND WALK

AT 4.30 p.m.

Further details: 01305772075

Lodmoor Ahoy!

Sunday 6th April 2014

1.00 p.m. - 3.30 p.m.

A Free Family Event

Come and explore and discover in Lodmoor Country Park!

A variety of activities for children from 3 to 12 years to encourage them and their families to get out and about in the park, taking a close look at the natural and man-made features while having fun together.

New for this year -

the RSPB is joining us with their stall of activities

and wildlife information!

This is the third "Lodmoor Ahoy!" organised by the Friends of Lodmoor Country Park. You don't have to be a member to take part, but new members are always welcome; you can join on the day, for as little as £1 per household.

For more details of "Lodmoor Ahoy!" and to book places (not essential, but helpful!), ring 01305 772075

Table Top Sale of Children's Goods

We've spent all our funds on ANOTHER bird's nest swing for the children's play area, so it's time to start fundraising again. Our next Table Top Sale of Good Quality Children's Goods will be on

Saturday 29th March from 2 p.m. to 4.p.m.

at St. Aldhelm's Church Centre, Spa Road, Weymouth

Tables cost £5 each, and can be booked by contacting:

01305 789066 / 07759609364 or emailing cgilbride2717@gmail.com

Come along to sell your unwanted children's items (toys, books, games, clothes, baby gear, small furniture) or to find a quality bargain.

FREE entry for buyers, refreshments (including homemade cakes) available.

Sparkle in the Park!

SUNDAY 1st December 2013

Jazz up a jam jar, light up a light,

Come sparkling at Lodmoor as day turns to night.

Friends of all ages come walk in the dark,

As we welcome Christmas to our candlelit park.

Join The Friends of Lodmoor Country Park as they make jam jar lanterns, jingle bells & decorations before walking around the candlelit Woodland Walk in the December dark!

This is the fourth annual "Sparkle in the Park", a free event for everyone of any age. All materials are provided, although you are welcome to bring your own jars and tealights or contribute to the Friends' funds.

Children taking part can earn a golden token to swap for a chocolate treat at the Rio Grande Miniature Railway Station AND a coupon for a £1 train ride on the specially decorated train.

Hot & cold drinks and snacks will be available at the Railway Station.

3.30 p.m. Making jam jar lanterns.

4.30 p.m. Candlelit walk around the park.

Children must be accompanied by an adult, and under supervision at all times. Please remember to pay for a parking ticket. Toilets are situated in the main car park.

In The Swing!

Help the Friends of Lodmoor Country Park raise enough money

to buy another bird's nest swing

for the children's play area in the park.

These swings are suitable for all ages and abilities - from parents holding babies to grandparents sneaking a swing - and they are safe & accessible for those with disabilities too.
Our "Celebrate Your Space" event kicked off our fund-raising, with over £100 donated - The impressive model swing with collecting bucket attracted much attention.

The next event is our TABLE TOP SALE specifically for

children's & baby goods:

Toys, books, good quality clothes, small items of furniture etc.;
Refreshments with home-made cakes;
Children's activity table.

This is on Saturday 26th October, 10.00 to 12 noon, at
St. Aldhelm's Church Hall, Spa Road.

To book a table for £5, tel. 01305 789066 / 07759609364 or email cfg@gilbride.plus.com

Donations for The Friends' Table are very welcome - Please phone 01305 750557

- Tip out the toy box - Clear out the cupboards -

- Cash in for Christmas - Stock up for stockings -

And help buy a swing!

The bird's nest swing - fun for anyone!

Celebrate Your Space - Friends, Fun, Fitness!

Lodmoor Country Park

Children's Play Area / Gym Station 3

Saturday 21st September 2013

between 10.00 a.m. and 2.30 p.m.

Come and help the Friends of Lodmoor Country Park celebrate YOUR space, thanks to generous grants from Groundwork U.K., The Big Lottery Fund & Dorset Country Council's Local Sustainable Transport Fund.

Have a go at an activity, & earn yourself an activity wristband to swap for a slice of wood-fired pizza from the award-winning Jalopy Pizza* van.

Pedal on one of Urban Smoothies' bikes to make yourself a smoothie drink.*

Sample the famous flapjack from 5J's Café.*

There will be activities for all ages and interests, from a dance workshop for the over 50's, led by Activate Performing Arts, to RSPB Walks with "Wild About Weymouth & Portland" project leader Tom Clarke.

"Train with Charmaine" on the green gym & take home a free instruction card.

Challenge yourself to a game on the Pitch & Putt course (small charge £4 p.p.) & you could win one of our unique trophies:

- Classes for 6 - 11 year olds, 12 - 16 year olds,

Adults (17+) & for representatives of other Park Groups.

Follow the circuit on the Children's Wooden Gym get a reward! (Accompanied children under 12 years old)

See what TravelDorset & Sustrans have to offer - free maps and info plus a Brompton Bike Challenge & children's activities.

Bring your bike for a "Dr Bike's" free bike health check.

Go on a guided cycle ride (helmets required)

Look at what the RSPB has to offer - wildlife info & activities.

And to finish -

A Grand Family Parade of Scooters & Bikes!

Bling up your bike, jazz up your scooter, and join in, at 2 p.m.

Lots of FREE fun and giveaways* for participants.

*All giveaways & free refreshments subject to availability.

Jalopy Pizza served from 12noon until 2 p.m.

Details: 01305772075

LODMOOR AHOY! 2013

Lodmoor Ahoy!

Saturday 6th April

1.00 p.m. - 3.30 p.m.

A Free Family Event

Come and explore and discover in Lodmoor Country Park!

The Easter Bunny will have left some chocolate treats for those who play the "Hunt the Bunny" game, and every child gets a free raffle ticket in their activity pack; there are stickers and small treats for completing activities which range from Origami Magic to Plot the Spot and a Children's Green Gym Wildlife Quiz. Look for Lodmoor Bear and meet some other Lodmoor Country Park folk at the same time.

Refreshments will be on sale at the Pitch & Putt Hut, and at 5J's Cafe, where Friends of Lodmoor Country Park can show their membership cards for a special discount.

This is the second "Lodmoor Ahoy!" organised by the Friends of Lodmoor Country Park. You don't have to be a member to take part, but new members are always welcome; you can join on the day, for as little as £1 per household.

For more details of "Lodmoor Ahoy!" and to book places (not essential, but helpful!), ring 01305 772075

Sparkle in the Park!

Saturday 1st December 2012

Jazz up a jam jar, light up a light,

Come sparkling at Lodmoor as day turns to night.

Friends of all ages come walk in the dark,

As we welcome Christmas to our candlelit park.

Join The Friends of Lodmoor Country Park as they make jam jar lanterns, jingle bells and tree decorations before walking around the candlelit Woodland Walk in the December dark!

This is the third annual "Sparkle in the Park", a free event for everyone of any age. All materials are provided, although you are welcome to bring your own jars and tealights or contribute to the Friends' funds.

Children taking part can earn a golden token to swap for a chocolate treat at the Pitch & Putt Cabin, and a voucher for a specially-priced ride on the Rio Grande Miniature Railway, all lit up for Christmas.

Hot & cold drinks and snacks will be available at the Pitch & Putt Cabin & the Railway Station.

3.30 p.m. Making jam jar lanterns.

4.30 p.m. Candlelit walk around the park.

Children must be accompanied by an adult, and under supervision at all times. Please remember to pay for a parking ticket. Toilets are situated in the main car park.

Green Gym Launch 7th May 2011

At 2 p.m. on Saturday 7th may 2011, the Friends of Lodmoor Country Park and Weymouth & Portland Borough Council will officially launch the GREEN GYM in the park.

All the organisations and people who helped to make this project possible will be publicly recognised and thanked, there will be free demonstrations of how to use the equipment, led by a fitness expert, and light refreshments for participants.

Adam Greaves, future Olympic sailing hopeful is the special guest who will cut the ribbon, Andy Sloan of "Procision Fitness" will lead the exercises, the cake has been made by Arty Party Cakes, of Lodmoor Hill, and Morrisons have supplied isotonic drinks and bottled water.

EVERYONE is invited to come along, join in the celebrations and discover what this exciting new addition to the park has to offer.

The equipment is suitable for people of all ages and levels of fitness and expertise, for exercise from gentle to vigorous; the under-12's must be supervised.

A series of free sessions of tuition are planned to encourage beginners of all ages to keep fit, so come along and register your interest.

The Green Gym Project was co-ordinated by Friends' committee member Bridget Betts, who obtained a series of grants to fund the works. The initial grant from the Weymouth & Portland Partnership enabled Bridget & Weymouth & Portland Borough Council Parks Department to make an application to Groundwork UK, & appoint local landscape architect Caroline Sharp as Project Manager.

Groundwork UK is an Award Partner to the Big Lottery Fund, and manages the Community Spaces grants programme, part of the Big Lottery Fund's "Changing Spaces" initiative.

The grant application was supported by Martin Fine, a facilitator from Community Spaces, and in October 2010 the project was awarded £43,000 to cover the cost of installing the specially-designed outdoor gym equipment at landscaped stations and improvements to pathways between them.

Twenty-one pieces of equipment are grouped at five stations along a 2km circuit of the country park.

Savings made because Dorset County Council upgraded pathways as part of the cycle route have enabled the Friends to commission Andy Frost of Andy Frost Designs Ltd. to design and install wooden Green Gym equipment specially for children, a perfect complement to the wooden play galleon he created in 2010.

Many local people and organisations have supported the Green Gym Project, and the finished installation is a tribute to their efforts.

British Heart Foundation Great Parks Walk 2011

Celebrating the Launch of the Great Parks Walk 2011

This year's BHF Great Parks Walk and Family Challenge will start and finish in Lodmoor Country Park on SUNDAY 10th APRIL.
The 8 mile Great Parks Walk will go via Greenhill, the Esplanade, the Nothe, Sandsfoot Gardens, the Rodwell Trail, Radipole Bird Reserve, Radipole Park and Gardens and return to Lodmoor through the Spa area.
The 3.5 mile Family Challenge will go via Greenhill, the Esplanade, Radipole Park and Gardens and return to Lodmoor via the Spa area.
The Toddler Trail will be in Lodmoor Country Park.
Registration forms and further details from Peter Rendall 01305 782546, or visit www.bhf.org.uk/greatparks

This is an important fund-raising event for a very worthwhile cause, and we are proud that Lodmoor Country Park is hosting this year's event.

Registration begins at 12 noon, the walks start at 1.00 p.m., and the Toddler Trail is at 1.30 p.m.
There will be a free "Hunt the Bunny" game for children, with little treats as prizes, throughout the afternoon.
Why not bring a picnic, and join in?

Heard the Bird? Saturday 19th March 2011

On Saturday 19th March, Mark Willis from the RSPB will lead a walk around the park, listening out for birdsong and helping people to identify the birds they see and hear.

The walk starts at 11.00 a.m., from beside the children's play galleon.

Adults £1 each, accompanied children free.

Tree Walk, Saturday May 22nd 2010

The Spring Tree Time Walk - in the company of Parks Manager and tree expert Carl Dallison will be on Saturday May 22nd 10.00 am.
The meeting place will be at the swings

£1 Adults. Children (accompanied, please) FREE
All proceeds to our Green Gym Launch Fund

Come along and learn about the trees in Lodmoor Country Park as they spring into life.

Winner of our Photography competition

Our "My Lodmoor" photography competition has been won by Lodmoor Friend Helen Beedell.

The aim of the competition, sponsored by 5J's Cafe, The Leisure Ranch and a Lodmoor Friend, was to find an image which summed up the unique qualities of Lodmoor Country Park.
Helen's Woodland Walk view perfectly illustrates the description of the park as "both a pleasant corridor and a place well worth lingering in" - and from next year this peaceful scene should be enhanced by the bluebells and snowdrops we planted this Spring.

Summary of April Bird Walk

Friends who joined the April Bird Walk led by the RSPB's Luke Phillips and volunteer Michael Morse were accompanied by exuberant birdsong as they were helped to identify a variety of birds in the park environment. Robins, chaffinches, blue tits, great tits, chiffchaffs, dunnocks, collared doves, wood pigeons, sedge warblers and even a marsh harrier were spotted by Friends strolling in the spring sunshine.

The next free Bird Walk will be in the Autumn.

The two first photos show the RSPB's Luke Phillips leading Friends of all ages on the Bird Walk, the third shows the beautiful daffodils in the April sunshine...

Next Meeting, Thursday 8th April

Our next open meeting for members is on Thursday, 8th April 2010 at 7.00 pm at The Lodmoor pub.

Please try to come along so that you can hear updates and information - especially in respect of the Green Gym.

Raffle prizes would be welcomed.

We look forward to seeing you and thank you for your continued support