Chorley comedian and Britain's Got Talent finalist, Steve Royle, has pledged his support to a fundraising campaign launched this month by Rivington Heritage Trust.
The Lancashire funnyman has created a hilarious video clip co-starring ‘Manky the Monkey' to promote the scheme and has sponsored a ‘Squarea' by The Italian Lake. Currently starring in ‘Pantomonium!' at Blackpool Grand Theatre, Steve is helping to spread Christmas cheer throughout the region with the digitally streamed pantomime.
Watch the clip here: https://studio.portfoliodesign.net/ps/download.php?id=1122&token=CCS6Q6Imf0CrZjFvtv49dW99Z6CsEF1P
The initiative is raising funds to maintain the Gardens by allowing members of the public to sponsor a 10m2 ‘Squarea' 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.
Steve Royle says: "It's been an absolute treat to help support this campaign. I hope the video clip raises a smile or two over Christmas."
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, we've even received sponsorship from people who have emigrated abroad and want to remember this lovely area.
"We're very grateful to have Steve 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/