Category Archives: Events

‘Patsy’s Path’ at Fleet Pond Nature Reserve

Patsy Welford (pictured below) was a very keen Fleet Pond Society member and volunteer.

She not only supported the Society through conservation work around the Pond, but also by joining in on their entries to Fleet Carnival over several years (Patsy pictured with yellow bucket).

Jim Storey, Chairman of Fleet Pond Society said: ‘We were extremely saddened to learn of Patsy’s death and stunned to find that she had very kindly left the Society a generous bequest in her will. This money has enabled us to realise a long-held wish to build an accessible zig-zag path leading from the upper track near the picnic area, down to the Lions’ View lookout.’

It has been a long process from first ideas, to gaining the permissions, to having the plans created, through tendering to finally see the path built  by our contractor, Green Leaves CC Ltd and the project successfully completed.  The Society would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to Steve Lyons of Hart District Council, whose help was invaluable throughout.

We were extremely pleased with the work of the Contractor who carried out all the work on the path, Green Leaves CC Ltd.

It was a pleasure to welcome Jane Reap, long-time friend of Patsy and an Executor of her estate, to cut the ribbon and officially open the path in Patsy’s honour (pictured below).

         

She was joined by FPS Chairman Jim Storey, Hart Countryside Ranger Sam Kerr and committee members and volunteers from the Society to witness the opening.

Jane commented: ‘Patsy had walked around Fleet Pond for 30 years, it was one of her favourite places. She would have been delighted to see how her money has been put to such good use.’

This fully accessible zig-zag path is named ‘Patsy’s Path’, in honour of a lady to whom the Fleet Pond Reserve meant a lot and who worked extremely hard to keep it the vital community asset that it is.

 

If you would like to learn more about Fleet Pond Society and the work they do visit www.fleetpond.org.uk

The People’s Walk for Wildlife

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNNbGoxtOxQ&w=560&h=315]

“Save the date: 22nd September 2018. Join Chris Packham in central London for The People’s Walk for Wildlife. It’s up to us to protect our wildlife and ensure we have a world where all life can flourish. More details to follow soon with exact location of where we will assemble.”

Chris Packham is the Patron of Fleet Pond Nature Reserve and you can read about a video he made at Fleet Pond here.

Wildlife Day at Fleet Pond This Sunday

There’s not long to go now before Wildlife Day at Fleet Pond! Why not come along this Sunday and learn something new about our fantastic flora and fauna?

Please remember that Fleet Pond car park will be closed, but parking is available for £1 all day at nearby Fleet Train Station.

Members of Fleet Pond Society (FPS) will be attending this event and will be delighted to talk about the many activities that FPS carry out for the benefit of the local community. We look forward to meeting you on Sunday!

Please mention this popular event to friends and colleagues.

Fleet Film and Fleet Pond

David Pottinger writes:

I’m a member of Fleet Film and regularly attend their (very impressive) showings. The last time I was there, prior to the main and short film, they showed a captivating slide show of different places in Fleet. Quite a few featured Fleet Pond (see above and below), so why not keep a look out the next time you’re at Fleet Film and, if you’ve not been to the Pond for a while, perhaps also pay a visit?

You can find out about the screenings at Fleet Film as well as view clips of the films by going to their web site here. There is also a lively feedback section on views on the various films. Fleet Film is a BFI Neighbourhood Cinema (see here).

The first film in 2018 is on Monday 8 January and is the Norwegian film The Wave. Annual membership of Fleet Film is £45 and covers 18 films.

If you would like to support Fleet Pond Society, details and benefits of annual membership can be found here.

Credits: photos courtesy of Brian Biffin.