Crewe’s ‘Jewel in the Crown’ shines with Mornflake support

VOLUNTEERS have received a welcome boost as they carry out vital restoration work in Crewe’s much-loved Queen’s Park.

Mornflake, the town’s oldest employer, has funded a lakeside fishing peg which provides a safe platform for anglers and helps prevent further ground erosion.

It’s one of three built and installed by Friends of Queen’s Park volunteers and fishing bailiffs – a group of 15 local people dedicated to caring for the historic park, which has won many Green Flag awards for its beauty and is often dubbed Crewe’s ‘Jewel in the Crown’.

Spokesman Richard Palin said: “We were concerned about erosion in some areas around the lake and the council gave us permission to build the pegs, which provide a stable spot to fish and help prevent further damage.

“We’ve used railway sleepers for the build in keeping with Crewe’s rail heritage and were delighted with the support from Mornflake, also part of the town’s history for so many generations.”

The park was officially opened in 1888 as a gift to the town from the London & North Western Railway Company.

Designed by railway engineer Francis Webb and landscape architect Edward Kemp, the 45-acre Victorian park features a man-made lake, clock tower and Boer War memorial.

It remains a busy local attraction and venue for crowd-pulling festivals – just in recent weeks these have included Cheshire Afrofest, Picnic in the Park and the Armed Forces weekend, all drawing thousands.

Breakfast manufacturer Mornflake, an employer of more than 350 people at Crewe, traces its roots back to 1675 when the Lea family first began milling oats in Cheshire.

The Gresty Road site, established in 1941, had previously been a flour mill run by Walter Brown before being taken over by the Lea family to feed the war effort.

The firm, still family-owned, marked its 350^th anniversary last summer with a visit from HRH The Princess Royal, who performed the official opening of its new ‘Oat Milling Centre of Excellence’ supporting a commitment to sustainability.

Activities to mark the milestone are continuing with trees being planted up and down the country.

Managing director James Lea said: “It is a privilege for Mornflake to support the Friends of Queen’s Park and the fantastic work they do to preserve this treasured landmark.

“Both the park and our family business have been part of the fabric of this community for generations, so there is a real sense of shared heritage and pride in helping to protect and enhance this special place.

“We’re also delighted that the park remains such a busy local attraction. Supporting health and wellbeing in the communities we serve has always been important to Mornflake, and the park remains a valuable green space where local people can get active and connect with nature.”

Updates on Friends of Queen’s Park can be found on their Facebook page.

For more on Mornflake heritage and products, go to mornflake.com