A group of Southport Freemasons have rolled up their sleeves to support the Friends of King’s Gardens, helping local volunteers with the ongoing maintenance of the historic gardens surrounding Southport’s Marine Lake. Caring for one of the town’s most treasured public spaces.
The initiative came about after Eddie Thompson was contacted by Julie Rudge, Chairman of the Friends of King’s Gardens, who asked whether the local Freemasons could Ílend a hand with the regular work required to keep the gardens looking their best. It wasn’t long before a small team of Southport Masons including Les Gilston, Brian Griffiths and Alister Sainter joined the Friends of King’s Gardens during one of their regular Wednesday gardening sessions.
The team was given the rather sizeable job with a sharp edge, that of edging the huge lawns surrounding the fountain. While it may sound straightforward, the scale of the lawns meant there was plenty of work to get through and working alongside the dedicated Friends of King’s Gardens volunteers, the Masons helped tackle the task and make a real difference to the appearance of this much-loved part of the promenade.
But the support didn’t stop there, Southport Group Vice Chairman Richard Jenkinson, also came to the rescue by putting his own trade skills to good use. Richard installed a new tap to allow the friends to fill their mobile water bowser much more easily. The bowser can then be used to transport water around the gardens, making it considerably easier for volunteers to keep plants and flowerbeds watered.
It was a great example of how local organisations can work together, with volunteers contributing not only their time but also practical skills to benefit the wider community. The Friends of King’s Gardens Southport are a group of community volunteers passionate about caring for and supporting King’s Gardens. King’s Gardens is an historic and beautiful park situated on Southport’s stunning Promenade.
The Grade II registered park has undergone significant improvements, including the restoration of historic features and buildings, extensive landscaping to open up views, improved accessibility and the addition of a new play area. The friends play an important role in helping to maintain and enhance this special part of Southport.
If you wish to get involved, the Friends of King’s Gardens hold regular gardening sessions every Monday and Wednesday from 1:30pm to 3pm and anyone interested in helping out is welcome to simply turn up on the day. Volunteers meet at the Arts and Crafts Shelter, opposite the play area, where the friendly team will make you very welcome.
With local Freemasons now lending their support, the partnership demonstrates what can be achieved when community groups work together to care for Southport’s public spaces. Friends of King’s Gardens Southport Registered Charity No 1167700, 5 Clengers Brow, Southport, PR9 9RW. Contact the Community Development Officer via e-mail parks@sefton.gov.uk or you can contact the Friends of King’s Gardens via email: fokgsouthport@gmail.com Further information about King’s Gardens can be found on Sefton Council’s website.
