A Rest For The Weary

9:36am Tuesday 15th April 2008

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The Rishton Prospects Panel was delighted to receive a 2007 Christmas present from Awards for All' to the tune of £4800 towards its Benches Project'.

The Project had already been backed by a grant of nearly £2600 from the Rishton Area Council, but the AfA grant meant that a scheme that had been long in its preparation could at last go ahead.

Paul Wilkinson, one of the Rishton Panel members and a native of Rishton, had been increasingly conscious that a number of benches in and around Rishton that he remembered from his youth were now missing or in a bad state of repair. This was further highlighted by his historical researches for the Rishton web site (www.rishton.net) of which he is the originator and which he continues to manage and develop.

Paul decided to undertake a detailed survey of the area to map all the existing and missing bench locations. In addition to this he enlisted the help of the local Healthy Walking' group and others to suggest new sites where a bench could be placed to advantage: either to provide a much needed resting place or as a vantage point for an attractive view. All told he identified over 35 sites, old and new, and embodied details of these in a 63 page report.

The funding will support the purchase and installation of 18 new benches and 2 picnic tables. (Of the benches, 8 will have backs but 11 will be without backs to be located where the view is equally good before and aft. Clever thinking!) Needless to say these will be in recycled plastic produced by Prosperity Recycling Ltd. Natural Organics who are old friends of the Foundation and Panels, will be doing the installation which it is anticipated will start in March and hopefully be completed in time for the summer walking season.

We are indebted to the East Lancs. PCT Community Walking Development Officer for backing our application. No doubt the Project will create further interest and other locations will be suggested.

Interest has already sparked off offers of sponsorship for some of the benches in memoriam'. This will release funds for a few additions. (If anyone would like to sponsor a bench, they can contact Paul on 07988-775069) We naturally hope the benches will be well used and encourage more people, particularly those who don't find it too easy to walk far, to walk more, enjoy the countryside around and benefit their health.

By Colin Cooper Prospects Volunteer