WORKING PARTY REPORT AND PHOTOS: 21ST JUNE 2024
Most of the previous weeks were spent preparing the Glen for the visit of members of the Sampson Society.
And today, most of the day was spent showing the members round the site itself.
With thanks to the FOGG working party for their considerable endeavours – which have been greatly appreciated.
The day is reported by FOGG member Phil Lee:
On Friday 21st June 2024 The Friends of Glen Goyle hosted members of The Sampson Society at Glen Goyle. The Sampson Society is a local organisation with has the aim of appreciating and promoting the architectural and artistic accomplishments of RW Samson LRIBA, who added so much to the built environment of the Sid Valley. A visit to the society’s website is recommended.
Around thirty members of the society joined ten Friends of Glen Goyle, on a lovely sunny Friday morning. A characteristic of Glen Goyle is the shade and partial shade that can be found all through it. This was shown off to great effect during the visit. Once down by the lawn, we paused for a while and chatted about our aims and goals, and about the progress that we have made in the previous two years of volunteering, and about how it all started. We chatted about the flora and fauna, and how we are striving to enhance both. And about our plans to enhance the infrastructure to enable greater and easier access to all parts of the goyle. John McGregor talked about the history of the lawn area, and about our wonderful connection with Pat and David Bassett, who used to visit their grandfather in Asherton House (now the site of the small housing development of the east of the brook), and recall the gardens as their massive adventure park. Throughout the visit, we tried to answer questions, sometimes more successfully than others.
The walk continued into the southern section of Glen Goyle, which is privately owned by the Belmont Hotel. The hotel maintains their section very well, in a slightly more formal style. Again, mature trees offer shade on hot and sunny days. Tea was taken at the Belmont Hotel, and the informal chat continued.
We would like to thank The Sampson Society for their interest in our project. They are welcome to visit again whenever they wish.’
The photos below are courtesy of Stephen Jellyman, Chairman of the Sampson Society:
With more here:
Sampson Society visit Glen Goyle – Friends of Glen Goyle
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