About SOAG - the Supporters of Ashton Gardens

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About SOAG

The circle gardens in spring

Purpose

The Supporters of Ashton Gardens is a not-for-profit membership organisation that exists to protect, preserve and enhance Ashton Gardens, St Annes.

Our Objectives

	To rally and encourage support for our purpose through advocacy, promotion and information.
	To raise awareness of the importance, benefits and historic significance of Ashton Gardens.
	To collaborate with other individuals and organisations to achieve our purpose.
	To raise funds for uses in connection with our purpose.
	To encourage and involve a broad spectrum of the community in SOAG and its activities.

Our Members

Our members come from a wide range of locations - not just in St Annes, but throughout the world. They are a friendly and welcoming group, sharing a common aim.

The organisation is run by a Committee of about 14 people, all of whom are volunteers.

A publications sub-group co-ordinates the production of information booklets.

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

Campaigning

	We successfully lobbied for the refusal of the first Safeway plan to turn part of the gardens into a car park
	Our members worked with the Garden History Society and English Heritage to have the Gardens listed.
	We opposed the planning applications that would damage the cultural and historic integrity of the Gardens
	Through public subscription we funded a leading charity law barristers opinion to show that the Gardens were a charitable gift held in trust for the people of the town. The Charities Commission has recently written to the Council to remind them of the need to register and regard the gardens as a charitable trust.

Enhancements

	Using workers from the Probation Service, and paint supplied by donation, we had the Ashton Institute completely re-painted externally.
	The rose garden was completely replanted via donations. We raised over £2,000 for this.
	Bulb plantings in the grassy areas have been undertaken

Current Activities

	Trying to persuade the Council to use the lottery bid to restore the Gardens to their former Edwardian glory, inkeeping with the period character of the town. We are concerned they will opt for re-generation or renovation as has happened in the Square, and that this will change the character of our gardens to their detriment.
	Fund raising for enhancements in the gardens; to date we have raised over £4,000
	Production of a book setting out the history and activity of SAG’s first campaign
	Developing some social activities for members and to help recruit new members.