The sun shone for Ruby’s Winter Walk with the Mayor

Lots of families joined Ruby’s and Congleton Town Mayor for a fun and inclusive Winter Walk at Astbury Mere Country Park on 18th February.

The event was to encourage everyone to get out, enjoy the fresh air during the half-term holiday and support the vital work of Ruby’s with SEND children and their families.

The team recruited volunteers who helped organise the event, which also had the generous support of Astbury Mere Trust.

Participants walked in the sunshine around the beautiful mere, and enjoyed sensory stations along the way with engaging activities on a fun nature theme, as well as admiring the many water birds who occupy the country park in winter.

Children could carry round a ‘sticky stick’ to collect leaves, stamp on gravel to see what noise it made, make a birds’ nest, guess interesting smells, blow giant bubbles, feel interesting textures, whirl brightly-coloured ribbons and play with balls, hula hoops and other outdoor toys.

Inside the Visitor Centre, youngsters participated in a number of craft activities, decorating butterflies and making their own ‘mayoral chain’ to wear.

Town Mayor, Cllr Kay Wesley, walked round with the families and joined in the activities.

She reflected:

“We had a lovely day and the team provided so many clever and fun things for everyone to do. Thank you so much to all who came, to the Ruby’s team and all the volunteers that made it happen, and to Astbury Mere Trust for having us.

“We were very lucky with the beautiful weather, and I’m delighted to say that as a bonus we raised over six hundred pounds for Ruby’s. Many thanks to all who donated.”

Ruby’s Chief Executive Alison Parr said:

“We are proud to be a Town Mayor’s chosen charity this year and glad to work with Kay on this event. Well done and thank you to the team of staff and volunteers for making the Winter Walk at Astbury Mere such a success. It was lovely to see lots of happy families enjoying themselves in the sunshine.”