Daffodil field for Aberdare Park

Nov 1 2007 by Linda Elias, Cynon Valley Leader

A HOST of golden daffodils are to be planted in Cynon Valley to raise vital funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

A Field of Hope is to be created at Aberdare Park and will be launched on November 7, the birthday of Marie Curie.

Daffodils can be sponsored in memory of a loved one with the money helping to provide nursing care for the terminally ill.

The driving force behind the creation of a Field of Hope in the valley is Joan Jenkins, president of the Aberdare Branch of Soroptimist International.

“I saw a Field of Hope planted on a roundabout in Surrey some time ago and it made a lasting impression,” said Mrs Jenkins.

“When I became the branch president I thought what a wonderful sight it would make in Cynon Valley.”

After liaising with Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, a site just within the lower entrance of the park was selected.

A total of 1,550 bulbs will be planted with the Aberdare Soroptimist Group sponsoring 1,000 bulbs and Wilkinson’s at Aberdare sponsoring 50, leaving 500 to be sponsored at £1 a bulb by members of the public.

Fields of Hope are planted in late autumn so they burst into bloom in the spring to coincide with the Marie Curie Cancer Care Daffodil Festival and the Festival of Daffodils held at Greed Street Chapel, Aberdare every March, organised by Aberdare Soroptomists.

Mrs Jenkins said she wanted to involve the young people of the valley in the planting ceremony and pupils of Perthcelyn School will play their African drums while students from Comin Primary, Aberdare will sing Think of a World Without Any Flowers.

Representatives of the valley comprehensive schools will also be present along with the Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf, Coun Jane Ward.

Words of dedication and a blessing will be said by Rev Eleanor Powell, Chaplain of the North Glamorgan NHS Trust.

“We hope our buy a bulb sponsor forms will sell well and create a stunning display and lasting legacy for the Cynon Valley,” said Mrs Jenkins.