The buzz about our Hanningfield Waterside Park is that a bee-autiful new bee sculpture has been unveiled this half term.
The bee statue was one of 30 six-foot tall statues that formed last year’s Buzz in the City sculpture trail in Chelmsford City Centre to raise money for Farleigh’s Hospice, and here at Essex & Suffolk Water we are proud to be the new owners of the sculpture called British Summertime.
The sculpture was designed by artist Mhairi Rankin and is festooned with vine leaves and summer flowers. Its new home is outside the Fishing Lodge, close to the Cafe on the Water, so well-positioned for our visitors to the reservoir to get the perfect photo for social media.
Kirstie Carter, Operations Manager at Hanningfield Waterside Park, said: “We’re thrilled to have the British Summertime Bee and we’re very proud to unveil it during the half term break when hopefully, all of our visitors will see it.
“As well as being a pretty addition to our site, the bee represents the commitment Essex & Suffolk Water has made to protect the environment, as the water is an essential ingredient to help keep our local ecology in balance.
“And we’re supporting Farleigh Hospice, an invaluable local community service which does amazing work, providing hundreds of thousands of hours of care to their patients and their families.”
Farleigh Hospice provides hospice care services to people affected by life-limiting illnesses and bereavement across mid-Essex.
Debbie de Boltz, Head of Fundraising, said: “We are delighted that Essex & Suffolk Water joined our first ever charity art trail Buzz in the City and are so grateful for the support of Farleigh Hospice.
“We are thrilled that the Bee has now found its home at Hanningfield Waterside Park, becoming a vibrant and meaningful addition to the space. We hope it brings colour, inspiration, and a smile to everyone who sees it – the team, and the wider community who visit the reservoir.”
Did you know that customers of Essex & Suffolk Water with an illness could be eligible for Priority Services Support. Visit the website for more information: Priority Services
Also, if you need to let Essex & Suffolk Water know about a bereavement, you can contact them by phone or online at Bereavement support
Find out more about the role of Essex & Suffolk Water and the protection of the environment at Hanningfield Reservoir: Environment strategy
