InDownton Newsletter
The community newsletter for the village of Downton, Wiltshire
Easter egg Hunt
The Annual Easter Egg Hunt takes place at the Moot on Easter Monday, 10 April when there will be 4000 eggs to find. The hunt is for children aged 11 or under and gates open at 10:30am for an 11am start. Entry is £3 per child - accompanying adults will not be charged. Don’t forget to bring a basket or bag for the eggs. The organisers request no dogs or unaccompanied children and would like those with allergies to note that the eggs may contain traces of nuts. Refreshments will be available - and if possible you are asked to bring your own mug, to cut down on the use of single-use plastic. All proceeds will go to Downton Moot Preservation Trust.
If it is wet on the day, the reserve date is Thursday 13 April - check the Downton Facebook sites for details ( Now and Then / Families)
The Moot needs YOU
For many people in the village the outside space of the Moot has been a perfect place to visit for exercise and recreation during lockdown, either with their dog, family or both. It is easy to underestimate the merits of this historical public garden, open 365 days of the year, and free to everyone – other villages and towns are not so lucky.
When you visit, you can see the outcome of the hard work of the volunteers – especially looking at the borders and the pond area. However in spite of the volunteers’ work, the Moot desperately needs funds to cover the unavoidable fixed costs.
It may not be common knowledge but the maintenance and safety of the Moot requires a minimum of £10,000 per annum to keep the gardens open to all. This has been just about achievable through fundraising events and donations. The former, due to Covid-19, was impossible for a while, as so many events had to be cancelled. Donations have been on the decline over recent years as donors have moved on or passed away, and generally regular donations have not been forthcoming.
The trustees want the future generations of Downton to be able to enjoy this historic outdoor village asset, which has benefited us all, whatever age, whether for a picnic, a walk or a bit of sledging in the snow! All they ask is that you sign up to make a regular donation, whether £10 a year, or £5 per month. If you feel that you can help then click here to link to the donations page.