Friends of the Library Garden walk 15 miles from Newark Castle, to Collingham, and back to Newark Library to fund new pond facilities at library

Published: 06:00, 24 September 2024

Despite torrential downpours and ending up walking an additional two miles due to a detour, hardy walkers have raised hundreds of pounds towards a community resource.

The Friends of the Library Garden, whose ambitious plans will see improvements installed at the community garden pond next to Newark Library, took part in a 15 mile walk on Sunday (September 22), battling the heavy rain and muddy paths.

There were 15 members of the group taking part altogether, starting at 9am at Newark Castle, and walking to Collingham, with around half of the group completed the full 15 mile walk, which finished back at Newark Library at around 4.30pm.

Friends of the Library Garden in Newark setting off from Newark Castle.

They even walked an additional two miles due to having to take a detour on the way.

Darrell Pointing, who organised the walk, said: “Thanks to everyone who took part in the walk and also to all our generous sponsors. It was a great day and, with a slight detour, we walked approximately 17 miles — two miles further than planned.

“A great team effort and the money raised will help us make further improvements to this community green space.”

Friends of the Library Garden on their fundraising walk.

Pamela Ball founded the Friends of the Library Garden, a group of volunteers who work alongside the council to care for the garden, and Darrell and Pamela were part of a group of activists who camped out overnight to prevent the trees on the Library Garden from being cut down in November 2021 (read the story here).

The money raised will fund a number of improvements, including modifications to the pond and buying a new bird house with a camera installed for educational purposes, in collaboration with the Library.

Fellow walker Louise Smith said: “Although we were walking from 9am to 4.30pm, in heavy rain at some points, the time seemed to pass quickly as we were all chatting away and there was great team spirit.

“Many of us met three years ago during Stop the Chop and it feels lovely to have come full circle and enjoyed a day of walking together in the Newark countryside to raise funds for the community garden we love.”