Mary Hignett Bequest Benefits Oswestry parkrun

“Some decisions are quite difficult for the Mary Hignett Bequest Fund (MHBF) Committee which I chair as President of Oswestry Rotary Club, but the application from parkrun was an easy one for us to decide to support. It ticked all our boxes: It is local, it’s sport, you had already funded many of your requirements and the kit you wanted our help with was both very specific and should provide years of help running your events. In fact, just the sort of project Mary Hignett must have had in mind when she made her most generous bequest to the Club.”

These were the words of President Mark as he presented the organisers of the Henley Wood parkrun in Oswestry at their regular Saturday meeting on 20th July. Every Saturday an average of 140 people of all ages and all abilities meet at the Cabin Lane venue to take part in a free, timed, two-lap 5K run. Some run, some jog, some walk. Some do the whole course, some do a single lap and there is great camaraderie.

Although the basic equipment needed to get the event off the ground last year had been funded through grants and fundraising, more kit was needed as the event grew and Oswestry Rotary Club was asked for help in buying a PA system, a gazebo with table and stools as well as a metal storage shed to keep all the equipment safe. This fitted perfectly with the MHBF remit and the Club was delighted to help.

President Mark was particularly impressed at the inclusive nature of the event and the great community spirit. He said: “Few things are as important to our communities today as access to exercise and so we were delighted to be able to help parkrun provide these facilities for so many runners of all abilities.”

Words and Photos Graham Moss