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We deal with almost 1000 cases a year assisting communities, groups and individuals in protecting their local spaces and paths in all parts of England and Wales. Can you help us by joining as a member?
On 13 September we held a day in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, for members to celebrate our 160th anniversary, and to visit our land, Parliament Piece.
The six-hectare site was given to the society in 1987 by Miss Helen Martin of The Spring. In 1999 we gave it to Warwick District Council on a 99-year lease, and it is managed by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust.
Fifty members of the society gathered at the St Nicholas hall for talks by the town mayor, James Kennedy, and local historian Jan Cooper who gave some background to the history of Parliament Piece and of the town. They then visited the Abbey Museum which opened specially for the occasion.
We were pleased to be joined by local volunteer Geoff Litterick (left); the town mayor, James Kennedy, and historian Jan Cooper. Photo: Open Spaces Society
After lunch we walked to Parliament Piece to hear from Andy Threlfall, the beekeeper, whose bees occupy hives next to Parliament Piece. Then Nick Martin of Warwickshire Wildlife Trust led an informative walk around the site, explaining the management arrangements.
We paused by the new elm trees which commemorate the society’s 160th anniversary, and the 40th anniversary of our general secretary, Kate Ashbrook. We also tested the new gates which provide easy access, including one for wheelchair-access.
We visited new elm trees planted at Parliament Piece to commemorate the Open Spaces Society’s 160th anniversary. Photo: Open Spaces Society
Says Kate: ‘It was delightful for members to walk around Parliament Piece, which is a unique site and popular with residents for quiet recreation. We are proud to own this magnificent open space, and to have planted trees here to mark our anniversaries.
‘We are most grateful to all who helped make this a special day for the society.’
If you’re not already a member and would like to join us for the next members’ day, you can find out more here. We’d love to have you join us next time.
Header image: Open Spaces Society