Introduction

It is now a year since Cambridge Sport Lakes Trust (CSLT) took over the management of Milton Country Park. In the first year there have been several noticeable improvements; the Park's fishing has been taken over by Cambridge Fish Preservation and Angling Society (CFPAS), the cafe has been relaunched as Cafe Diem, and a new children's play area opened. Read Mick Woolhouse's update from CSLT and plans for this year. John Pope tells us about Cambridge Fish Preservation and Angling Society. And finally see the events diary for upcoming events at the Park, including two open air plays.

The Friend's Annual General Meeting is an important event and I would like to encourage all of you to come to this meeting, it will be an opportunity to find out about what is happening at the Park, what the Friends are doing and what you can do to help.

Stephen Bennett Chairman of the Friends.

Friends update

Using the momentum from the Save Milton Country Park campaign the last year has been a good year for the Friends, we have been able to increase our membership above 400 members, and have completely renewed the Friend's website. Using e-mail we are able to reach you much quicker than we could before. We hope you have found regular updates from the Park useful, for those of you who only receive these quarterly newsletters, you can alter your details by following the link at the bottom of the e-mail notification.

I would like to thank the many volunteers who have helped out at Park events, the birdbox making and Easter Treasure Hunt, and also those people who have helped the Rangers with various tasks, and helped supervise the car-parking after the recent vandalism of the ticket machine.

CSLT are to be congratulated on the new play equipment, is it another major attraction for the Park, and also this year's event programme at the Park. We would like to thank all of you who contributed suggestions for the events programme in the last newsletter.

Friends AGM.

Wednesday May 13th, 7:30pm at the Visitors Centre

Starting with a short talk from Mick Woolhouse, from the Cambridge Sport Lakes Trust, he will talk about the Trust's experience of running the Park for the first year; plans for the next year at the Park; their existing coaching work, and their rowing lake project. After a short refreshment break we will start the Friends' annual general meeting.If you are able to come along we would really like to see you at this meeting.

Friends Social.

Saturday June 13th, 6:00pm onwards.

We could not find a venue large enough for the Christmas meal last year, so we have decided on an early summer event at the park. The Friends are planning an informal social evening at the Visitors Centre, this will include a cold buffet, details to follow.

Stephen Bennett Chairman of the Friends.

Thoughts from the Cambridge Sport Lakes Trust

A year into operating MCP and I am pleased to say that some of the initiatives that we have been working on are beginning to bear fruit.

The most significant improvement that we have made is the new Children's 'Natural Play' Area, which has proven to be very popular. The centrepiece of the Play Area is the superb climbing structure. Whilst subtle, we expect the adjoining 'Living Willow' planting to mature into equally impressive features. Alongside various smaller pieces of balancing equipment it is interesting to see that the landscaped mound (now known as Milton Mound) is being used as a useful vantage point and for picnics. Cafe Diem is increasingly developing a reputation for providing the kind of fresh and appealing refreshments that customers want and taken together with the new play facilities it is clear by looking at our visitors that we are going someway towards providing a safe and enjoyable place for families to visit.

We are delighted, and surprised, to have been voted the best picnic site in the region in a competition run by Warburtons Family Bakers. We are now through to the National Final so watch this space!! In response to this and what we see as a general need to provide more places for people to sit, we will shortly be installing another 8 to 10 picnic benches in key places around the park.

In the coming months we have a series of events planned, with a noticeable shift in how we promote the use of the park as a destination venue to both our current and future users. Our thought process here has been to try and introduce an interesting range of events that capitalise on both the undoubted physical beauty of MCP but also complement other national initiatives.

Our Environment Event in June for example ties in with National Environment Week and is being supported by Cambridge City Council as part of a wider programme of events in the area. The Sports Event we have planned for the end of July is similarly being supported by South Cambs District Council and will be part of a national series of events that will form part of the countdown towards the opening of the London Olympic Games in 2012. Following last year's success we plan to run our main 'open day' (we are of course open every day!) under the strapline 'A Celebration of Summer' and lets hope the early forecasts are correct and we do all have a cracker of a year.

With each of our 'feature' events we will be making a charge of £5.00 per car for entry to the Park on the days in question. This is obviously a departure from the day to day charge of £2.00 per car. We understand and indeed have lots of 1st hand experience that charging for car parking is always going to be a sensitive issue. What I would say is that I am confident that we can demonstrate to visitors that there is value in what we have put on offer, I vehemently argue that a visit to MCP is excellent value for money. To cater for our regular users, it is now possible to buy a 6 month season ticket for the car park at MCP for £50.00. This is less than £2.00 per week and for someone who visits a number of times each week and wants to support MCP it really is a good idea. For 2009 holders of either a 3 or 6 month car park season ticket will also be able to access 'feature' events for no extra charge.

Thank you to all who have contributed good-will towards our 1st year's activities at MCP by volunteering a variety of time, effort & energy.

Mick Woolhouse. Cambridge Sport Lakes Trust.

New Play Equipment.

At the start of the Easter Holiday Aimée Mason, on behalf of Cambridge Sport Lakes Trust cut the ribbon on the new play equipment. This was funded by the Play Pathfinder Programme of the Department of Children, Schools and Families. Photographed below, early on the morning before the opening.

Cambridge Fish Preservation & Angling Society

The fishing rights at Milton Country Park have been taken on by the Cambridge Fish Preservation & Angling Society (CFPAS). It is now coming up to the end of their first year at Milton Country Park, so we asked them to introduce themselves. Further information on CFPAS LTD can be found on there website at: www.cambridge-fpas.co.uk

Cambridge Fish Preservation & Angling Society was founded in 1885 as the "Jolly Anglers" with one stretch of river the Hundred Foot River at Earith. Nowadays our extensive list of leased, owned and managed fisheries covers over 30 miles of top class river fishing together with 5 Lakes, 4 Pits and 1 Pond giving a large mixture of angling venues to suit different styles of fishing. So we were delighted to be able to add the Milton Country Park Complex to our growing portfolio of waters, a family friendly venue and we look forward to enjoying and working with all users of the park.

As a club we have been awarded a coveted Club Mark Accreditation, awarded by Sport England to clubs that have met high quality standards in:

• The playing or participation programme;
• Duty of care and child protection;
• Sports equity and ethics;
• Club management.

We will again be holding an Open Day at the Park on Sunday 19th July 2009, 10am till 4pm where anybody can come along (booking advisable) and have a fFree 30 minute fishing coaching session with one of our licensed coaches. There will be fishing demonstrations around the lake; pond dipping with the Rangers and the Environment Agency will have a live fish tank and their display stand. Posters will be put up in the park in due course.

We will also be having a display stand at the Parks Open Day on Sunday 16th August 2009 so please do come along and speak to us on the day.

John Pope, Junior Events Co-ordinator, CFPAS.

Open Air Theatre at the Park

This year again sees open air theatre returning to Milton Country Park. Chapterhouse Theatre Company is a professional touring production group bringing its wide range of experience to venues across Britain. The Company prides itself on fully accessible, traditional but innovative productions. Now starting their tenth season of productions, Chapterhouse return with shows both traditional and new. Their Shakespeare play is an all new production of Romeo and Juliet, and for the children's show a new adaptation of Cinderella. More details about them and the plays can be found at www.chapterhouse.org

Romeo & Juliet: Wednesday 29th July*, 6:30pm. Adults £12, Children £8, and Families (2 Adults & 2 Children) £35
*Correction to previously published date.

Cinderella: Wednesday 5th August, 3:30pm. Adults £11, Children £7, and Families (2 Adults & 2 Children) £30

Tickets available from the Park (01223) 420060, or the Junction (01223) 511511, or online at www.seetickets.com

Please bring your own rugs, or low-packed seating.

Upcoming Events.

Sunday 24th May - Tree Identification Walk

A 90 minute walk for families. Join one of the Rangers on a leisurely walk looking at trees in late spring and how to identify them. 2.00 pm start. There will be a charge of £3.00 per adult, £1.50 per child. Meet at the Visitor Centre.

Saturday 6th June - Moth Trapping

As part of National Moth Night we will be running a moth trap in the park. An event for families who should bring a torch with them as well as dressing warmly. The event location will be signed from the visitor centre and start at 8.00 pm. £3 per adult, £1.50 per child. Places to be booked by 31st May on 01223 420060.

Sunday 14th June - The Environment Event

Inspiration, help & advice on sustainable living, with 'Think Global, Buy Local' stalls.

Sunday 19th July - Fishing Activities Day

A day's fishing related activities for all ages. See article above.

Sunday 26th July - Get set, Go!

An opportunity for adults and children to try new outdoor sports.

Wednesday 29th July* - Romeo & Juliet 6:30pm

Chapter House Theatre Company present William Shakespeare's tragic love story.
*Correction to previously published date.

Wednesday 5th August - Cinderella. 3:30pm

Chapter House Theatre Company present an afternoon performance of Cinderella! See article above.

Sunday 16th August - Summer Celebration 2009

Back by popular demand! Family day out.