Open Day 2nd August 2025

 We decided to hold an open day to gain more new members for our friends group. The date coincided with two other significant events. Firstly, Wirral Borough Council's  Love Parks week, and secondly, the 125th year anniversary of the opening of the Quarry as a public recreational ground in 1900.

As it was an outdoor event, we all hoped for sunny weather.  Luckily it turned out to be a beautiful, warm, sunny day.  Our volunteers started setting up our two gazebos at 09.30 on the grassy area at the top of the long border. One was for a seating area for refreshments to be consumed, with flower table decorations. A lovely touch provided by our volunteer Sian Turner. The other gazebo was our plant stall, with helpful advice available  Chairs were set out around and the shed was organised to serve teas/coffees and delicious home made cakes throughout the event, which was to run from 11am until 3 in the afternoon.  Payment for refreshments was by donation only and yellow collection boxes were on some of the tables.

 

The event began at 11am, advertised in advance on social media and  via posters. Members of the public did start to gather around from 10.30.

Tours of the Arno, describing both historical background as well as how the Friends take care of the park were popular and well supported. Peter led the first tour at noon with around twenty participants.  There followed two more tours at 1pm and 2pm, led by John Lee, with 10 and 5 followers respectively. Tours were enhanced by the sight and sound of local resident sparrowhawks, flying in and out of the mature trees.

During the afternoon, we also took the opportunity for the public to join us in raising our latest Green Flag, which we are proud to have retained for so many years. 

New memberships on the day totalled 11 ( completed membership forms). Two other membership fees were received by bank transfers with name, but no contact addresses.

Money received on the open day event came to £575, with an expenditure of £121.

It had been a lovely day, with a chance to engage with members of the public who treasure the  Arno and who had come along to show their support. Around 200 people had turned up throughout the four hours. Many had stayed for refreshments and a chat , or to buy a plant or two to take home. All in all, a most successful event.

 

This coming Saturday 1st March  is our usual morning chance for volunteers to meet at 10am in the Rose Garden to carry out jobs to keep your community green space looking good.  At the moment we are busy preparing 4 rose beds to be re-planted with new roses in a couple of weeks' time. Also, we are weeding four rose beds that were re-planted last November. Then all 8 beds can be under planted to suppress weeds and benefit both pollinators, as well as the health of the roses.

All the new roses, as well as the perennials for under planting are purchased or propagated by the Friends of the Arno and Oxton Fields.  In order to be able to carry out this work we really do need your help and support. 

You DO NOT have to be a gardening volunteer to support us.  We raise our funds through membership fees, donations and from plant sales. For less than the price of a cup of coffee and a cake you can become a paid up member and show your support. 

Just £5 for an individual, or £7.50 for a household each year will help us to continue our work.  You're just a few clicks away from becoming a Friend...it's that simple , but makes a huge difference to us in continuing these projects in the rose garden.

Become a member CLICK HERE