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