Fruitful July at the Vines

There was plenty going on at the Vines Park in Rochester this summer, where the third annual cherry picnic took place in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. 

The fundraising event, which made £2180.57 for the charity, is a celebration of Upchurch-grown Kentish cherries. Weekenders were kept entertained by craft stalls, competitions and children's activities, while they were of course able to purchase a punnet of sweet juicy local cherries. Stalls donated ten percent of their takings to Macmillan Cancer Support, and gifts on the highly successful tombola were generously provided by local businesses.

The event was originally the brainchild of Bob Wade, the former Community Engagement Officer for Medway Council, who chose to support Macmillan Cancer Support after losing his sister to the illness. Bob too sadly lost his battle with cancer in February this year, but the event lives on with the 'Friends of the Vines' group taking over the running of the occasion.

Members of the Friends group, which was also set up by Bob, work hard to keep the park clean and tidy, as well as spending time promoting the Vines as a public family space. Their efforts have even resulted in them being granted a Green Flag award, an initiative set up to recognise and reward the best green spaces in the country.

Macmillan Fundraising Manager Liz O'Hanlon said: "We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved in the Cherry Day. 2011 marks our centenary year and the Friends of the Vine Group have really put the cherry on the cake!"