I CAN’T believe it’s a year since we last donned our welly boots and collected money for the Wellington Monument project.

So much has happened since then, what with the scaffolding starting, visits from the Duke of Wellington and the fundraising reaching £2.8 million, with £650,000 left to raise.

We still need your help but as is the joy with this role, the fundraising is fun. So, on November 6, would you be able to pop on your wellies for the day? Decorating them is an option too! I will be in town for the day, so if you come along to see me, I will have a collection tin to put your pennies in to add to the project. I’m excited to say Court Fields, Beech Grove and Rockwell Green schools are on board and I’ve even asked the teachers to join in, too.

Welly Wednesday is about remembering that the 1st Duke of Wellington invented the Wellington boot, and it’s about raising pennies and laughter, too. If you would like to join in the fun, whether with your place of work or your school, just give me a shout and I can help.

I hope you managed to see the project on the BBC last week. It was wonderful being at the monument with Clinton Rogers. We were all delighted to talk to the scaffolding team about the eight miles of tubes and 3,000 scaffolding planks. I really have caught the scaffolding bug. I recommend you visit the monument soon to see what the excitement is all about. Oh, and have a go at the sensory trail we have set up for half-term. It is self-led and really gets you to notice all that is happening around the monument.

Oh, don’t forget to buy the Monumental Sunflower raffle tickets – the prizes are awesome. Find them in Odette’s tea room, Nurtured by Nature and Rockwell Green Post Office.

See you on November 6. I hope my decorated wellies will do the day justice. If you need to speak to me whether about wellies, fundraising or presentations, please contact me on [email protected] or phone 07779 454246/01823 451587.

EMMA JONES

Community fundraiser and engagement officer (National Trust)