Rotary Club discuss plans to update local park
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The time is approaching when the Rotary Club of Inverurie may be able to meet up physically once again, as they learned at this week's get together on Zoom.
The two guests to this week's Zoom call were Martin Auld and Sandy Scott and Peter Donaldson was asked to summarise the Zoom meeting last week with clubs in England and in New South Wales, Australia.
In Australia, they organised the event to be able to thank the UK clubs for their financial support following the disastrous fires which had devastated parts of their countryside.
Inverurie Rotary Club were delighted to learn that their contribution had been used to help train young cadets in their Fire Service.
Secretary Dorothy Lamb read out a letter of thanks from Jacqueline Duncan, manager of the Bennachie Care Home further to the rotary clubs gift of donating two unused Gazebos for the use of residents and their guests, much appreciated now that lock-down conditions have been eased.
Speaking on the meeting, rotarian Jim McColl explained: "The guest speaker, Martin Auld, chairman of Trustees of the Ury Riverside Park Charity who manage the new countryside facility right on our doorstep, showed a slide presentation of the progress so far and the ambitious plans for the future of the area.
"The park extends to around 60 acres and there is much to yet be done to enhance the facility, such as the provision of a fine granite- built entrance area, a children's play area and a new bridge near Uryside School.
"Already, 2000 trees have been planted and more are planned.
Jim continued: “Without doubt, a significant amount of fund-raising will be necessary, certainly giving plenty scope for a bit of input from our members!
“It is a very diverse area of land home to a great assortment of wild flowers including wet land species and a further range found on drier land.
“A significant population of wildlife is already inhabiting the area, so far some gems have been spotted – kingfisher, osprey roe deer and otters.
“The good news is that the area is starting to be used by a wide range of people in the area for example, the Saturday Park Run is supported by two to three hundred people.
“Given the end of Covid-19 restrictions, it is expected that the area will become a well used outdoor classroom.”
Mention of Covid-19 brought up a significant problem, the spread of Giant Hogweed around the park areas.
Jim added: “ Hogweed and young people are incompatible.
"Regrettably, cutting it down to prevent seed production did not happen, no doubt because priorities lay elsewhere but that will allow it to spread further – timely action come spring will be sorely needed.
“Sandy Lamb offered a hearty vote of thanks to Martin Adding in the contribution of our two previous guest speakers, I would say there are exciting times ahead for the Borough of Inverurie!
It is the place to be!”
