Bolton-born comic, Dave Spikey, has pledged his support to a fundraising campaign launched this month by Rivington Heritage Trust.
A keen supporter of local charities and community projects in the town, Dave is involved with the ‘Squarea' initiative, which is raising funds to maintain the Gardens by allowing members of the public to sponsor a 10m2 patch of land in The Japanese Garden, The Italian Lake, The Dell, The Woodlands or The Lawns.
The beautiful area has undergone a transformation in recent years, thanks to the support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) and the work of hundreds of volunteers.
However, like so many charities, funding has suffered over the past year and now members of the public can get involved and help keep the Gardens in their restored condition for future generations which costs over £100,000 per year to maintain.
Dave says: "Rivington was always like an adventure playground when we were children - and there aren't many places like that around here. Growing up in a two-up two-down near the mills in Bolton, it was great that you could just hop on a bus and be in the countryside in 20 minutes. Both of my children went to Rivington School and we would often spend weekends walking and cycling around the area.
"When I used to drive home from gigs, you always knew you were home when you saw Winter Hill. I've mentioned it in my acts, pointing out that since we never win medals in the Winter Olympics, we should host them at Rivington Pike and confuse the Austrians by getting them to slide down on a bin lid or take part in the ‘old men clearing a path relay'.
"It's brilliant to be involved in this campaign and getting my certificate is almost as good as winning a BAFTA."
Involvement in the scheme follows Dave's recent support of ‘CreateBolton' (www.createbolton.org.uk) a Bolton-based arts charity with a mission to see people in ‘creationships' that make a lasting difference to effect a positive physical, emotional and spiritual transformation.
Through their Café Create and more recently the addition of online community services they work to help and support disadvantaged and mentally challenged children to harness their creativity. The charity has also formed a brass band and will be performing an online concert on Christmas Eve.
Richard Galloway, a director of Rivington Heritage Trust, says: "These Gardens have such an important place in people's hearts and ‘Squarea' gives them a chance to contribute and remember their special moments in the area. Uptake for Christmas gifts has been fantastic since we launched last week, we've even received sponsorship from people who have emigrated abroad and want to remember this lovely area.
"We're very grateful to have Dave on-board helping us to protect one of the UK's most beautiful landscapes."
About ‘Squarea'
Individuals and businesses can pledge £20 to sponsor a 10m x 10m virtual patch, that will help towards the annual maintenance costs, which are over £100,000 per year. Each Squarea sponsored will contribute towards the upkeep of The Gardens for the next five years.
The Gardens are spread over 20 hectares (200,000 m2) and fans of the area can pledge their support to the Italian Lake; the Japanese Garden; the Dell; the Lawns; or the Woodlands. With over 20,000 patches on offer, the initiative provides a unique gifting opportunity for members of the public - especially in the run up to Christmas.
Sponsors of each Squarea will receive a personal certificate confirming their commitment to the gardens. Ideal as Christmas gifts or as a lasting legacy for people who love the area, the initiative allows people to invest in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
You can sponsor a Squarea online by going to: https://www.rivingtonterracedgardens.org.uk/get-involved/squarea/