21 June 2003

On a warm June day a spot of pillaging was the last thing on the mind of a group of good natured Viking warriors who set up camp at the Old School in Ulnes Walton. The visit was arranged as part of the consultation process for the Parish Plan staged for the highly successful Past Present and Future Day.

The Vikings cooked elderflower fritters, baked fish, dyed fabric and enthralled the children with their story telling.  Proceedings started with our MP Lindsay Hoyle and his wife Cllr Cath Hoyle officially opening the day by cutting a ribbon with a ceremonial knife borrowed from one of the Vikings.

An estimated 400 people turned out to support the event which is fantastic considering the size of the parish.  As well as symbolising the past the present was celebrated with contribution from many local groups.  Grateful thanks are expressed to –

The Elderberries for their interesting and informative display

The WI for the much needed cups of tea and wonderful cakes

The Danish and Viking Embassy’s for the display material The Leyland Morris Men for the entertainment The Art Group for the lovely display of local paintings and Viking theme material The Garth AIKI Ju-jutsu group for the display Robinsons Ice-cream

Proceedings started with our MP Lindsay Hoyle and his wife Cllr Cath Hoyle officially opening the day by cutting a ribbon with a ceremonial knife borrowed from one of the Vikings.

An estimated 400 people turned out to support the event which is fantastic considering the size of the parish.  As well as symbolising the past the present was celebrated with contribution from many local groups.  Grateful thanks are expressed to –

The Elderberries for their interesting and informative display

The WI for the much needed cups of tea and wonderful cakes

The Danish and Viking Embassy’s for the display material The Leyland Morris Men for the entertainment The Art Group for the lovely display of local paintings and Viking theme material The Garth AIKI Ju-jutsu group for the display Robinsons Ice-cream

Mrs Mortimer for her tasty sticky toffee puddings

The resident poet Vic Caunce

The Bee Keepers for bring along their ‘little friends’

Jena Williams for her expert face painting

The balloon blowers

Mattie Richardson from the Ramblers Association for her expertise in guiding the walk

The unexpected visitors too – including the Neighbourhood Warden and the man with the vintage vehicle!

And the many other volunteers who made the day so successful.

So what’s next?

Further consultation through working groups to consider–

Traffic and road safety issues

Local heritage project

Social facilities in the parish

Facilities for the youth

If you would like to take part in any of these groups please let the Green Centre know or contact Derek Ormerod the Steering Group Chairman on 01257 451516 or the Parish Council Clerk Lynne Rowett on 01772 435516