Bolton-born actress, Sammy Winward, famed for her role as Katie Sugden in Emmerdale and for starring in ITV dramas, Prey and Fearless, has pledged her support to Rivington Terraced Gardens’ ‘Squarea’ campaign.
The area is one of Sammy’s favourite places to walk with her dog, Anca, and along with many locally born public figures such as Mark Radcliffe, Dave Spikey and Steve Royle, she is backing the conservation campaign, which is protecting one of the North West’s most important historical gardens.
Says Sammy: “I’ve been so lucky to have Rivington on my doorstep for most of my life and have spent many an hour wandering round the beautiful lake and gardens. It really is something special.”
Members of the public can now sponsor a 10sq m virtual patch of land called a ‘Squarea’ in The Japanese Garden, The Italian Lake, The Dell, The Woodlands or The Lawns for just £20. Owners of each dedicated certificate also have their name added to an online roll call and can choose to support the area that is the setting for their treasured memories.
The 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, but needs additional support to raise the £100,000 annual conservation costs.
Richard Galloway, a director at Rivington Heritage Trust, says: “It’s brilliant that Sammy is showing her appreciation for the lovely walks that are to be enjoyed in the Gardens and, hopefully, we will all be able to get back to enjoying soon. We’re indebted to all our supporters for getting behind us in a year when COVID has made it so difficult for Rivington Heritage Trust and our army of volunteers to fund and keep up with maintenance works.” Visit https://www.rivingtonterracedgardens.org.uk/get-involved/squarea/ to get involved.