News - Page 109 of 118

Community Leaders Back Wolf Fields

A peer, a principal and a priest have joined growing numbers of West Londoners backing A Rocha UK’s bid to turn a former Southall drug den into public gardens.

Labour’s Shadow Business, Innovation and Skills Spokesperson Lord Tony Young, who chairs Norwood Green Residents’ Association, Wolf Fields Primary School head Sharanjit Gata-Aura and St Mary’s Church Rector Rev Jeff Payne endorsed the charity’s plans to transform the three-acre wasteland known as Wolf Fields into community space.

They cut the ribbon on 13th July for the scheme’s open day (pictured). One of the special guests described the event as ‘a unifying message to all our local communities’.

Together they supported A Rocha UK Conservation Director Andy Lester and Environmental Education Officer David Melville as a team led an action-packed programme.

Strong Start To Foxearth Appeal

A deluge of donations has dropped on the doormat at A Rocha UK since the launch of the Foxearth appeal. ‘But there’s still a way to go to set up our own nature reserve,’ said CEO Mairi Johnstone.

‘So far it’s one of the best appeals ever,’ Mairi explained. ‘We’re genuinely humbled by the response – especially against a backdrop of a challenging financial climate.’

The appeal was launched at the end of May, to raise funds for what is set to become A Rocha UK’s first ever nature reserve. Generous donations were received within the first few weeks, along with messages of support such as:

– ‘we do hope this goes well, it sounds very exciting’;

– ‘so excited to hear about Foxearth’;

– ‘Foxearth…fabulous place!’

After reading all the emails and letters from supporters, Mairi expressed her delight at the response so far for funds to buy what she called an ‘amazing’ piece of land. ‘It’s quite clear that people have responded because they absolutely believe in the vision,’ she explained.