The Spondon Social Safari returns on the weekend of 18th and 19th July and promises to be the biggest Safari yet!
Organisers have lined up more "Safari Stops" than ever before, many of them appearing for the first time as well as some old favourites too. From bric a brac stalls, hobbies and crafts, tombolas and delightful gardens through to barbeques. home-baked cakes and cream teas, there's something on offer for everyone to enjoy over the course of the weekend.
The official opening of this year's event will be performed by the Mayor of Derby, Councillor Paul Pegg, at the Homestead Retreat at 10.30am on Saturday 18th July.
There are 25 venues in total to enjoy at various times over the weekend. These include a mix of 'open houses' from local residents, Spondon pubs and clubs and two of our local care homes. Over the weekend, you can also watch Spondon Cricket Club in action, try your hand at crown green bowling with Spondon Bowls Club and enjoy arts & crafts or a game of bingo at several of the stops. The weekend finishes with a community BBQ at the Homestead Retreat on the Sunday evening.
As well as seeing locals opening their doors and inviting the community in, the annual event also raises money for charity too. 2014's event helped to raise more than £3,500 for good causes.
Organiser Roy Battelle is proud that the annual event has become so popular and describes it as a great social occasion full of community spirit. Roy said: "Those who have travelled the Safari route in previous years speak warmly of the community spirit and the warm welcome offered along the way."
"We are very pleased to say that the number of residents who offered to be a 'stop' along the Safari route this year has increased. The event is primarily to build on the good community spirit we already enjoy around the Village but also a method of collecting for your favourite charity too."
Having ran the event since it first began several years ago, this will be Roy's last Safari as organiser but he is planning to hand over the reins so it can still continue in future years. On behalf of the community, we'd like to thank Roy for all his hard work in organising the Safaris over the years.
