Formby Squirrels Rotary plant over 40 trees at Altcar Codes Retreat
Formby Rotary Squirrels have over the past couple of years given support to Altcar Training Camp, Hightown, in their efforts to provide facilities at a location within the Camp called ‘Codes Retreat’.
The 'Codes Retreat' includes Pods and other buildings for military veterans to spend some time for what the military call R & R (rest and recuperation). The club have in addition to providing cash donations, have also planted crocuses on the site.
Last autumn the Club decided to taken advantage of the link Rotary had made with the Woodland Trust and purchase trees to help the Camp enhance the environment adjacent to Codes Retreat. After discussions with the Camp Commandant, Lt. Col. Gordon Black, a selection of red squirrel friendly trees was ordered.
A spokesperson for Formby Rotary Squirrels said: "On the 2nd of February a tree planting team of Rotary Squirrels gathered at the Altcar Camp Guardroom and under the guidance of Camp Senior Range Warden, Steve Hunter, we deployed to the designated tree planting area."
"Earlier in the week, the weather had been cold, wet and windy however, on Friday 2nd it was clear, sunny and for a change the wind was light. The team soon got to work and within 2 hours, we had planted and staked over 40 trees."
A huge well done to everyone involved!
Last year in June 2017, The Formby Squirrels Rotary Club visited Altcar Ranges to present them with a cheque for £500 to help with the project.
The Formby Rotary Squirrels presenting the cheque to
Commandant, Lt. Col. Gordon Black (In the white shirt)
Commandant, Lt. Col Gordon Black gave the club a guided tour of the site after first visiting the "Pods" where Squirrel's member Ian Thomson presented a cheque for £500.
Ian had himself been the commandant of Altcar Ranges, during his military career.
The Squirrels had the honour of being the first visitors to see the newly completed "ablutions" block, which brings the Pods site very close to completion.
The club is actively seeking new members who have are socially minded, willing to actively participate in club activities and looking to have an enjoyable time. They meet twice a
month, one meeting being for business and the other for a social activity.
The clubs next business meeting is at the Grapes, Green Lane, Freshfield on Thursday 13th July at 7.30pm, interested people are welcome to come along or telephone Ruth Swift on: 07891 732117 or email: rotaryformbysquirrels@gmail.com
