Raindrops dampen snowdrops opening

Bad weather put a dampener on the opening day of the new snowdrop walks season at Lytham Hall - but brought a boost for the venue's new-look cafe as visitors sought shelter and a warming brew.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Feb 2016, 12:00 BST
Snowdrops in the grounds of Lytham HallSnowdrops in the grounds of Lytham Hall
Snowdrops in the grounds of Lytham Hall

As reported in the Express last week, the cafe has been refurbished and is now run by well-known Fylde faces Peter Anthony and Paul Lomax – and customers flocked there on Sunday afternoon as the rain swept down.

The snowdrop walk season runs every Sunday until March 6, along with Saturdays from February 13 to March 5 inclusive and officials at the Hall are hoping to again attract visitors galore to the early spring feature which last year saw a total attendance of more than 2,500.

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Marianne Blaauboer, activity plan officer at the Hall, said: “The weather scuppered the opening day a bit really, but the tea room was well visited as a result.

“The showing of snowdrops is better than expected, so this Sunday and subsequent weekends promise to be a great sight, if the weather is kind.”

The Hall grounds are open from 10am to 4.30pm on Sundays and 11am to 4.30pm on Saturdays from February 13 for the walks, with admission £3 for adults and children free.

Visitors can pick up a copy of the snowdrops trail, included in the entry price, from the gatehouse while there will also be the opportunity to purchase a snowdrop to plant at home from the Friends of Lytham Hall pop-up shop.

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Teenage volunteer Megan Rowland is also organising a snowdrop photography and art competition for under 18s with prizes on offer.

Megan, a student at Lytham St Annes Technology and Performing Arts College, said: “The competition is open to any artist under 18 on the theme of the snowdrop trail using any medium of art, such as painting, drawing or collage, with prizes for primary, secondary and college winners and runners up and we are grateful to local busineses who have donated prizes.”

Marianne added: ”We were delighted when Megan came to us with her enthusiasm for photograohy which fitted well with our wish to celebrate snowdrop season.

“We hope the competition will get many young people to explore this bright side of winter.”

To take part, send images to [email protected] or artwork to Lytham Hall, Ballam Road, Lytham, FY8 4JX.

Related topics:Lytham HallFylde