[Gayle]

I'm not overly impressed with our local paper's coverage of this event - here is a press release that I sent to them last Friday in the hope that it would be in today's paper!


September 26th, 2009 – 1pm
Starting from Peel Park (gates at the top of Avenue Parade).


The Coppice Centenary celebration will start from Peel Park and be lead up to the top of the Coppice. Leading the procession will be JC Lupton, who was the Mayor in 1909 – he will be played by local Great Harwood based actor, Baxter Williams. On the route to the top there will be many musical delights and treats to savour along the way.

Also, as part of the procession will be representatives from 10 local schools. These schools have been involved in banner making workshops over the past week with artists Sue Gibson and Paul Allen. Each school will be carrying a banner which they have designed to represent their school. Many of the schools taking part were involved 100 years ago at the original opening.

100 years ago, all the children who took part were given a badge – the children of today will also receive a badge, which has been designed especially for this event by representatives of the Green Spaces Forum. The police will be handing them out on the day – so if you want a badge, ask a policeman.

Once everyone reaches the top of the hill there will be speeches, a performance of a special poem written by pupils from Peel Park school and a rousing rendition of a popular song. We are still looking for more volunteer musicians and even at this late stage there is still time to get involved. Bring your instrument along and join in.

There will be a shuttle bus from behind Netto (on Park St) which will take people up to the top of Avenue Parade. It is a free service, so please feel free to use it as parking is limited at the top of the hill. There are also limited places in the 4x4 transport which will take some people to the top of the hill. If you want to book a place in this you must ring 387851 in advance.

Can we remind people that it is a walk up a hill and that they should wear sensible clothing and footwear. Also, wheelchair and buggy access is very limited and not really recommended. We also have to point out that there won’t be any seating at any point along the way or on the top of the hill. If you do not feel able to make the climb please let us know and we will endeavour to help you if we can.

We want the whole of Accrington to come out for this very special event. The monument which sits at the top of the hill has been refurbished by JN Bentley and will take pride of place in the centre of the celebrations.

This celebratory event has been co-ordinated by Green Spaces Forum, with the support of Hyndburn Borough Council and funded by Grassroots Grants and Awards For All.