Blue Plaques were started in 1866 and are used to commemorate the links between famous people, buildings or events and a particular place.

The Friends of West Hunsbury Parks decided that our retiring Chair, Mavis Wilmshurst, deserves to be commemorated for her tireless efforts over the last 10 years, which have seen the West Hunsbury Parks grow in popularity, cleanliness and safety, and Colin Ingle of the Drovers Return was happy to let us fix the plaque at the entrance to the Parks Information Centre which he has built for us at the café.

Councillor Brian Oldham, a good friend to FoWHP, kindly agreed to unveil the Blue Plaque and said a few words to thank Mavis for her unstinting and infectious enthusiasm and leadership, which has led to the Friends of West Hunsbury Parks being highly respected amongst local councils and Park volunteer groups.

In the brief and informal ceremony at the Drovers Return last Friday, the Friends also presented Mavis with a bouquet of flowers before indulging in one of Colin Ingle’s famous cream teas.

Thank you for the last 10 years, Mavis. We hope we can live up to your legacy and keep our Parks at the same standard that you have achieved.