A floral tribute has been created in Stonefield Park to mark 50 years of Girlguiding’s A Handful of Songs show.
The carpet bed in the Stone park is one of two seasonal displays being installed by Stafford Borough Council this summer, with the other in Victoria Park, Stafford, marking Stafford Rangers’ 150th anniversary.
The Stonefield Park design celebrates the long-running Girlguiding show, which has involved hundreds of Guides from Stone, Eccleshall and surrounding villages over the years, with performances featuring song, dance and comedy.
Stone borough councillor Philip Leason said he had suggested the Girlguiding anniversary after being asked, as a borough councillor, to submit an idea for the Stonefield Park flower bed.
In a post on Facebook, Cllr Leason said
“Last year I was asked as a Borough Councillor to submit a suggestion for the flower bed in Stonefield Park and submitted 50 years of the Girl Guiding show ‘A Handful of Songs’.
“Over the years hundreds of Guides from Stone, Eccleshall and surrounding villages have taken part. I was pleased when this was chosen. The Parks Department staff worked with the Guides on the design and it is now in place.”
Around 800 plants in a variety of colours have been used across the two beds, which are displayed in the borough’s award-winning parks.
Stafford Borough Council said the parks have previously been used to mark major anniversaries and public events, including 80 years since Victory in Europe and Victory over Japan in 1945, the coronation of King Charles III, and the platinum jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.
They have also honoured the NHS, the armed forces, charities and organisations working across the borough.
Gillian Pardesi, Stafford Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure, said
“It is great to be able to show our appreciation to local organisations that have reached key milestones in their history.
“Tens of thousands of people will have the opportunity to see these vibrant floral designs and I know they are always well received by visitors and a wonderful addition to two parks that have been nationally recognised for their quality.”
The second display, in Victoria Park, Stafford, features Stafford Rangers’ logo. The semi-professional football club, which plays in the Northern Premier League Division One West, recognises 1876 as its formation year.
Stonefield Park and Victoria Park are both run by Stafford Borough Council and hold Green Flag awards, the national standard for well-managed parks and green spaces.
