THE Sandford community will be making a big noise to celebrate 25 years since the Millennium Green and Path on Saturday, June 21 after it was established by a group of far-sighted pioneer volunteers.

This committed group of people saw the need for a safe pedestrian and cycle path to connect Sandford and Crediton - the land was acquired and subsequently the adjoining marshy meadow land was also dedicated to make a dedicated wildlife nature resource with open green spaces for community gatherings.

The day will start with Exeter Street Band leading a parade from the Lamb Inn to the Event Area in the Green.

The community have been invited to follow and join in the celebration and bring their own instruments and saucepans to join in the fun.

Some of those early pioneers, many of whom still work to keep the Green green and full of wildlife, will also be attending.

In May, Ysella Sims, local poet and Steve McCulloch, wildlife specialist, organised a creative writing workshop on the Green to devise a Community Poem celebrating everything that everyone loves about the extraordinary place and the dedicated team of volunteers who keep it in tip top shape.

The Poem will be read by Ysella and printed copies given out.

Everyone will then enjoy an afternoon of picnics and live music on the Green.

There will be traditional old fashioned games for children (and adults), Sandford Orchards will run a bar, and St Swithun’s Church will offer tea and cakes.

There will also be an exhibition of photos from the early days.

The programme includes:

11am - Exeter Street Band and community assemble outside Lamb Inn

11.30am - Parade processes to the Millennium Green main entrance

11.50am - Welcome speech and presentation

12 noon - Community Poem reading

12 noon to 4.30pm - Big Picnic, music and games.