The Friends of Poulsom Park has been formed to give the Castletown venue some TLC.

Group founder member Anne Davis said: ’Our remit is to promote the protection, enhancement and maintenance of this historic park and its environs to an appropriate standard, ensuring it be kept in good order and available for the benefit and enjoyment of the people of the town and its visitors.

’For a number of years I have walked in the park with my dog on a regular basis and felt it was an area which. was not being utilised as well as it could be, and there is no doubt that in parts, it could certainly be made to look aesthetically more attractive.

’At one stage a handful of us at different times planted spring bulbs in and around the edges of the park.

’When you get talking to other people, you realise that they also have ideas for improvement.’

The group has offered its help to the local authority.

’We want to work with the commissioners and help them, rather than against them,’ said Anne. ’I guess you could say ,we will be like the equivalent of a PTA within a school in that we will assist them in practical areas, where man power is needed, while bringing to the table new ideas and holding pop up fundraising events.’

Their first such appearance was at an open day at Castletown railway station last Saturday (August 25) where they enlisted new members and began fundraising. The proceeds will go on some new bulbs.

Next year they plan to hold an open day in memory of Castletown resident Mary Jane Poulsom, the wife of William Poulsom who gifted the park to the people of the town in 1896. For more details email Anne at mpa manx.net or the secretary/treasurer Zoe Ellis at [email protected]