A Valentine’s Day walk around Rivington Terraced Gardens ended in bliss for local couple, Rachel Collington and Andy Anson as they surprised each other with a wedding proposal and a special gift of a ‘Squarea’ – sponsoring a virtual patch of land on The Lawns.
Says Rachel: “Walking around Rivington and having a brew and butties near The Lawns has been a highlight of many walks, so when I heard about sponsoring a Squarea I thought it would be an ideal Valentine’s Day present for Andy. What I didn’t know was that on that very same day he planned to propose!”
“We went for a walk from Victoria Road, up Foxholes Road, along George’s Lane past the Pike and down to The Lawns and whilst having our coffee Andy got down on one knee and proposed. I couldn’t have been happier and of course I said yes!”
The couple first met at a Salsa dance class at the Conservative Club in Horwich in November 2018. Rachel, who has lived in Horwich for the last 18 years, has enjoyed walking the hills and gardens ever since moving to the area. Last March, due to Covid-19, Andy, who lives in Middleton and Rachel were unable to see each other for a few months, although did keep in regular contact.
After lockdown restrictions were eased, they were allowed to meet for a socially distanced walk and finally, when couple bubbles were introduced, they were able to see each other properly again.
Says Rachel: “Walking around the gardens and having a brew stop near The Lawns is one of our favourite things to do. Thank you Rivington Heritage Trust and all the volunteers who have made The Gardens such a beautiful place to visit and for many, like me and my fiancé, their ‘Happy Place’.”
Richard Galloway, a director at Rivington Heritage Trust, says: “It’s lovely to hear a good news story in amidst these difficult times. The ‘Squarea’ certificates are proving to be a popular gift idea for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries and all manner of special occasions and are helping us to raise the necessary funds to maintain The Gardens.”
Members of the public can 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.
Visit https://www.rivingtonterracedgardens.org.uk/get-involved/squarea/ to get involved.
About ‘Squarea’
Individuals and businesses can pledge £20 to sponsor a 10sq m virtual patch, that will help towards the annual maintenance costs, which are over £100,000 per year. Each Squarea sponsored will help towards 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.
Sponsors of each Squarea will receive a personal certificate confirming their commitment to the gardens. Ideal as gifts for people who love The Gardens, the initiative allows people to invest in an area of outstanding natural beauty.