YOUNG and old alike from Wellington were celebrating on July 2 when its latest community venture, Ford Meadow, was officially opened by Lizzie and Lydia who had won a school competition to find a name.

They were ably assisted on the occasion by Bill Wiggin MP who came along to give his support.

Ford Meadow is now a place for people to sit and enjoy the tranquillity of Wellington Brook and the nearby ford - it has been transformed from a piece of overgrown scrubland into a wild flower meadow complete with benches, with all the work done by a group of volunteers led by Shirley Edgar.

Everyone who came along had a free picnic box and drinks and there were games with prizes for the children (and some of the gown-ups!). The event kicked off with an all-ages yoga session led by Miranda Davies prior to the picnic getting started.

Jennifer Jarrett, chairman of the Community Led Implementation Plan under whose auspices the project was managed, thanked everyone who had been involved in many months of work. This was possible because Wellington volunteers were successful in winning a bid from the Herefordshire Community Green Spaces fund and from Tarmac Community Fund. Wellington Parish Council supported by financing the picnic lunch.

Mr Wiggin said that the volunteers of the village should be proud of what they have achieved. The afternoon ended with a cake cutting ceremony, some duck races, wellington boot throwing and the unveiling of a plaque dedicating thanks to John Allender for making the benches, Maureen and Derek Robertshaw for financial and practical support.

The sun shone and everyone enjoyed being part of an active, inclusive village.