The railings at Ackhurst Lodge are being scraped and repainted at last, courtesy of the Community Pay Back members. Still much to do but making a fantastic difference. Thank you to the lads and their leaders. 

David, Iris and myself worked with pupils from 10R Astley Park School, who have been growing willow and harvesting it to plant in the wet areas of Ackhurst Lodge. The pupils worked fantastically well in teams and despite the wet weather enjoyed the activities. When the willow was planted they did some balsam bashing, weeding and removed the pansies ready for the replanting of the wishing well area.

Well done everyone, we look forward to working with you again in the near future. Thank you

The willow planted recently at Ackhurst Lodge looks dead until you look closer and you can see the buds appearing on the stems. 

Sam from Buttonhole enjoying a natter at the shop today with Elaine at the Knit & Natter. Everyone really excited about the Flat Iron project. We are reaching the halfway stage of 1,000 each of the squares and flowers. Well done and thank you everyone.

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Kay, Cheryl and Dympna at the Knit & Natter today at the Buttonhole with some of their craft work. Euxton Library Crafters and Susan sent in lots of squares too. The diversity of colours and styles is wonderful. I did more natter than knit today. Lovely atmosphere, ideas and enthusiasm developing. Thanks everyone, this really is a community project.

Kay Carson has taken the project to heart and below is a comment from our facebook page:-

Whilst working alongside the fab Chorley In Bloom project, I was inspired to create this rug for chilly nights in the garden. Back now, full steam ahead with squares and flowers for the project. Cant wait to begin assembling the fruits of our labours 

A fantastic achievement and a beautiful and colourful rug

We met some lovely people at Birkacre Garden Centre today while taking part in the National Gardening Week. We really enjoyed talking to everyone. 

We were all wet,wet,wet today but achieved a great deal. The box hedging was clipped, all the Sedum planted (thanks again to Raymond Smith), spot plants in strategic places, small Rhus trees planted and some weeding done. Thanks everyone for your help.

Benjamin Disraeli remembered by our volunteers for his love of Primroses in Astley Park Walled Garden. Primroses were planted and a garland placed around his neck this afternoon.

This is a model of a flat iron made by James Smith. Imagine it 7feet by 4feet covered in knitted/crocheted squares and flowers. This wil  l form the centre piece of our heritage project to reflect the history of Chorley. Thanks Jim. 

Iris has taken some more photos of the development of the flat iron model to give a suggestion of what the finished project could look like but it will be made up of many more squares and have lots more flowers.

Linda and Iris had a lovely meeting with Gill from Chorley’s Help the Homeless. We will be working together to encourage the use of fresh vegetables for healthy eating. We are in the early stages of planning but very excited with this new development. 

Astley Park School pupils came today to the Community Garden on Union Street. The hot weather followed by the rain was great for the growth of weeds especially chickweed. The first task to be undertaken was the weeding which the pupils did with their usual enthusiasm under the guidance of David. Good job.

After the weeding came the planting and what a difference! Then a well earned rest before returning to school. They’ll be coming back to add more plants and I expect the weeds will be popping up again. Well done and thank you Astley Park School pupils from everyone for helping with this garden

Chorley in Bloom Meeting for Knitters/crocheters/crafters arranged for Monday 8th April at 10.00 at The Buttonhole 40-42 CHAPEL Street, Chorley. Tea/coffee and biscuits. Come and see what the squares and flowers are going to be used for and see how you can help. Bring your knitting etc. Sewing skills will be needed too