Coppice Celebratory Project

Gayle · 04-09-2009, 12:24

On the 26th September there will be an organised procession from Peel Park, up to the top of the Coppice. The purpose will be to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the handing over of the Coppice to the people of Accrington.

The procession will start at 1pm.

I am still looking for more musicians - if you know of any musicians please pass my email on. [email protected]

I am still looking for someone to act as the lookalike Mayor from 1909 to escort the Mayoress up to the top of the hill and to lead the procession.

Everyone is welcome to the procession and all children who attend will receive a badge (just like they did in 1909).

Gayle · 21-09-2009, 08:39

Don't forget - this Saturday - big community event.

ALL WELCOME

BERNADETTE · 21-09-2009, 10:19

I'm hoping the weather is nice for this, bet it is a good day

cashman · 21-09-2009, 15:37

Hope its a big sucess, can't go meself as meeting me son in greater manchester,

Alan Gilmartin · 22-09-2009, 06:33

Hope it goes well & can we have a few pic please, especialy from the top.

K.S.H · 22-09-2009, 06:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan Gilmartin

Hope it goes well & can we have a few pic please, especialy from the top.

Theres one HERE

Was hoping to go to this but not going to be able to make it now, so no pics from me

Gayle · 25-09-2009, 08:56

I'm not overly impressed with our local paper's coverage of this event - here is a press release that I sent to them last Friday in the hope that it would be in today's paper!

September 26th, 2009 – 1pm
Starting from Peel Park (gates at the top of Avenue Parade).

The Coppice Centenary celebration will start from Peel Park and be lead up to the top of the Coppice. Leading the procession will be JC Lupton, who was the Mayor in 1909 – he will be played by local Great Harwood based actor, Baxter Williams. On the route to the top there will be many musical delights and treats to savour along the way.

Also, as part of the procession will be representatives from 10 local schools. These schools have been involved in banner making workshops over the past week with artists Sue Gibson and Paul Allen. Each school will be carrying a banner which they have designed to represent their school. Many of the schools taking part were involved 100 years ago at the original opening.

100 years ago, all the children who took part were given a badge – the children of today will also receive a badge, which has been designed especially for this event by representatives of the Green Spaces Forum. The police will be handing them out on the day – so if you want a badge, ask a policeman.

Once everyone reaches the top of the hill there will be speeches, a performance of a special poem written by pupils from Peel Park school and a rousing rendition of a popular song. We are still looking for more volunteer musicians and even at this late stage there is still time to get involved. Bring your instrument along and join in.

There will be a shuttle bus from behind Netto (on Park St) which will take people up to the top of Avenue Parade. It is a free service, so please feel free to use it as parking is limited at the top of the hill. There are also limited places in the 4x4 transport which will take some people to the top of the hill. If you want to book a place in this you must ring 387851 in advance.

Can we remind people that it is a walk up a hill and that they should wear sensible clothing and footwear. Also, wheelchair and buggy access is very limited and not really recommended. We also have to point out that there won’t be any seating at any point along the way or on the top of the hill. If you do not feel able to make the climb please let us know and we will endeavour to help you if we can.

We want the whole of Accrington to come out for this very special event. The monument which sits at the top of the hill has been refurbished by JN Bentley and will take pride of place in the centre of the celebrations.

This celebratory event has been co-ordinated by Green Spaces Forum, with the support of Hyndburn Borough Council and funded by Grassroots Grants and Awards For All.

Gayle · 26-09-2009, 15:34

Well, that was a fab afternoon.

Thank you to everyone who came and made it so fantastic.

katex · 26-09-2009, 19:10

Good event Gayle ... well done, enjoyed it very much.

Met Tosh at the bottom ...excellent company (we exchanged nostalgic memories

), particularly as neither of us wished to ascend the Coppice with any great rush. Kept close to the Red Cross guys just in case we needed oxygen ...

Loved the musicians that greeted you on the way and the choir was lovely.
Well, everybody was great really. Good to see lots of children there; suspect they had never been up the Coppice before.

Congratulations to the councillors too who are making efforts to improve the pathways etc., around this area .. gotta preserve the landscape we have been blessed with.

My 'photos aren't the best ... but sure there will be lots of offerings later.

100 Years Coppice 003.jpg

100 Years Coppice 006.jpg

100 Years Coppice 007.jpg

100 Years Coppice 008.jpg

100 Years Coppice 010.jpg

BERNADETTE · 26-09-2009, 19:19

Sounds like a great day, couldn't make it but looks like I missed a good do.

Bernard Dawson · 26-09-2009, 19:28

A lot of the credit goes to Gayle, it was really good. The work on the footpaths as made a difference for people walking up the Coppice as well.

Lets hope it encourages more people to get out walking.

katex · 26-09-2009, 20:19

Didn't notice PB ?

Gayle · 26-09-2009, 20:22

There's always a team involved. Ian did a great job with the music and thanks to the stewards and sound crew, plus our 1909 Mayor. All the speakers were clear and interesting which made it a good do.

Bernard Dawson · 26-09-2009, 20:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by katex

Didn't notice PB ?

He missed a good do didn't he.

Gayle · 28-09-2009, 08:21

Credit where credit's due - the Telegraph did a really good article on it today.

All the facts were correct, the pictures great and even the funders were mentioned.