There has been a new group formed called the Friends of East Boldon Parks.   I shall let you have further details as soon as I can.  There are also other groups whose aims are to support other parks in the area.

In 2007 group of local enthuiasts got together and formed a group called Friends of East Boldon Parks.    The group was formed when they noticed that Grange Park and Mundles Lane Park were getting into a sorry state and they now have an active committee and nearly 50 memebers.  They organise various events in the parks and encourage the Local Authority to renovate them.  Money is always a problem and as well as running fund raising events they also work hard to obtain national grants to aid the development of these very important amenities.

In order to qualify for a grant it is necessary to show that there is sufficient local interest so they need your assistance.  If you value these parks please register as a "Friend of Boldon Parks" by email at:-  FriendsofEBP@aol.com  or you can text or call on 07502 125671

The contact person for the group is Adele Panter and can be reached on 536 1157. 

There are also other groups whose aims are to support other parks in the area. 

To read the full news letter click here

A Spring Update

 As well as fundraising on a local level we have been successful in securing a £850 grant from the Community Area Forum.  This money is being allocated to get plans drawn for Mundles Lane play area. Several meetings have taken place with representatives from different council departments, and we should see the first draft very soon.

Various meetings have been held with the council on a variety of park issues, some with the day-to-day maintenance, and others to agree items such as shrubs to be planted in some bare areas of Grange Park borders and also to have the rose beds re-stocked.  The arched walkway was also discussed and was earmarked as a possible project for early next year.

An application for a Breathing Places Grant has also been submitted.  We were given just a couple of days notice about this possible funding and through sheer determination we were able to submit the application with minutes to spare (honestly, just minutes, and with fantastic support from Mrs Gasston - thanks).  In our application we focussed on the top end of Grange Park nearest to the junior school and the new entrance.  We included items such as Community Notice Board, benches, planting to encourage wildlife, sensory walkway planting, and 3 child focussed events. Our application has been acknowledged but we won’t hear if we are successful until June.

Hopefully, fingers crossed, we’ll have a better summer than last year.  And not resting on our laurels we have several events planned for this sunny spring and summer.

April Fools Quiz Night - Thursday April 3rd at 8pm 

Following the success of our previous quizzes we have had another pair of volunteers willing to test your general knowledge - though with the title ‘April Fool Quiz’ we don’t know whether ‘O’ levels will be an advantage!!  This quiz is going to he held in the United Reformed Church Hall.  More teams can enter and you can bring your own refreshments and snacks (alcohol is permitted).  Tea, coffee, soft drinks, nachos, pizza slices and a variety of nibbles will be available for purchase.

Bat Walk & Talk - Wednesday 7th May at 9pm 

You may never have noticed the nocturnal inhabitants of our parks.  Meeting in the Grey Horse car park this fascinating walk and talk, which is suitable for all ages, is being led by a local bat expert and will cover bat activities in both parks.

Love Parks Week   Saturday 14th June to Sunday 22nd June

Love Parks Week is coming up and several events are planned, look out for further information.

Grange Park Maintenance day Wednesday 18th June 2 - 4pm

This is part of Love Parks Week.  Refreshments will be provided.

Kite making – Date to be confirmed

As always we would like to thank everyone who has supported us.  If you would like to volunteer to help at any event or could offer your assistance in any way please contact us.

If you have any further questions, queries, donations of time, materials, energy or even money our contact details are:

email:-  friends@ebp@aol.com

Mob no:-07502 125671.

Hope to see you soon.