Sir – I would like to make an open invitation to my neighbours here in Cogges and Witney as a whole to come and help me achieve something quite beautiful.

A few years ago, my wife and I spent a lovely weekend in Pembrokeshire. It’s a very special place, but being between late winter and early spring it was made even more beautiful, as the roadsides were covered in bright yellow daffodils.

It made us smile to see such a fantastic display around every corner.

This spring I want to help bring that spring cheer to my neighbours and people visiting Cogges by planting 1000 daffodil bulbs to make one truly smile-inducing display for next spring and many springs to come in the future. I’m inviting your readers to come and help.

We are meeting on the corner of Manor Road and Cogges Hill Road, by the Cogges Community Apple Tree at 10am until 2pm on Saturday, October 4. We aim to plant 250 bulbs per hour to create a stunning display.

There will also be local info stalls on the day from local groups and organisations. This is important as it gives us an opportunity to see what’s going on and connect with our community.

We have free tea and coffee on the day, donated by Ue Coffee of Witney, and cakes donated by fellow neighbours.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank Alison Leask and everyone at West Oxfordshire District Council for donating the 1,000 King Alfred bulbs. And also Sian Stokes of WODC, Barry Clack from Witney Radio and Polly Inness of Witney Town Council for being hugely supportive of the community efforts here in Cogges this past year.

Anyone wanting more information can email me on hellorichardmackenzie@- gmail.com So, grab a trowel and we’ll see you on the October 4.

Richard MacKenzie, Witney