A WINCHESTER park preservation group will be able to have working parties after being established as a charity. 

Friends of St Giles Hill Park chairman Harry Mycock spoke about the importance of looking after the area.

Dr Mycock, of Quarry Road, said: “Symbolic of several years of going without volunteers on St Giles Hill is the orientation plaque at the main viewpoint on St Giles Hill.

“Underneath the invasive vegetation, known ironically as Traveller’s Joy, are pointers to the most notable sites of Winchester. 

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“The hidden monument also bears a dedication to Waltheof, Earl of Northumbria, who was the most high profile Anglo Saxon executed following the Norman Conquest. 

“He was beheaded on St Giles Hill on May 31 1076. It is sad to see the overgrowth on this monument to a man who happens to be my wife’s 25th great grandfather. 

“After an impasse around the issue of insurance leading to the subsequent neglect of the park over several years, the good news is that the Friends of St Giles Hill Park has been established as a charity and obtained insurance cover for working party volunteers. 

“A final blessing by Winchester City Council to allow volunteering to recommence is due and so good works by volunteers should be able to start soon. I have secateurs and loppers at the ready and plan to start with clearing the orientation plaque and monument to Waltheof.”

To learn more about the group, visit: friendsofstgileshillpark.org/.