of park life

IT may be steeped in history and full of ghosts, but enthusiastic volunteers are needed to help bring the past of Marbury Country Park back to life.

Local playwright Robert Meadows has been commissioned to write a play looking at the lives of people who have worked at the park during the past 100 years.

Robert, who won the overall excellence award at the Guardian's Rose Bowl Awards last summer, is working closely with the Marbury Heritage Project, which is a community-based initiative set up to research Marbury Park's history.

Researchers have unearthed a number of interesting stories and memories associated with Marbury Hall and these will all be included in the final performance.

The project has been funded by the Local Heritage Initiative and it is also being run by the Friends of Anderton and Marbury and Cheshire County Council's Arts and Countryside Management Services.

Organisers of the summer spectacular, which is due to be performed in July, are now searching for local people who would like to help with the planning and production stages.

A director and set designer will be appointed within the next few weeks and there are also vacancies for musicians, costume makers and stagehands.

Year five pupils at Comberbach Primary School have taken part in a writing and drama workshop and they are looking forward to helping with the rest of the project.

Park ranger Peter Schofield said: "There is still a huge amount of work to be done and there are lots of opportunities for everyone to get involved in the project.

"It should be a great deal of fun as well as helping bring to life the fascinating history of the local area."

There will be a workshop at Comberbach Primary School tomorrow, Thursday, at 7.30pm where people can see how the script is taking shape and find out more about the project.

If you would like more information or to get involved, ring Peter on 01606 77741.

hhumphrys@guardiangrp.co.uk