BLOG: volunteers transform memorial ground

It’s taken two years and four hardworking Civic Pride (Rossendale) volunteers – and now Trickett’s Memorial Ground in Waterfoot  is ready for Remembrance Day.

Brambles cleared, areas newly planted and a huge hanging planter in the centre of the main lawn started to attract the attention of passers-by in the first few months. New benches and litter bins, old benches repainted, repainting of the railings and bus shelter were complemented with a sensory lavender border by the main path.

Civic Pride (Rossendale) volunteer Liz Hoskin said:

To be honest, we do just get on with it. We never actually realise what we’ve done until someone else tells us how much better it is. Hearing the gasps and positive comments from residents makes it all worthwhile.

To get it ready for the remembrance ceremony, a new lawn has been laid to the left of the main gate leading to the memorial. Charlotte Hocking, Civic Pride (Rossendale) finance officer and volunteer, added:

The satisfaction of seeing so much achieved by such a small team is extremely gratifying.

The once overgrown and neglected small park has been transformed into a place of peace and tranquillity used by locals and visitors alike.  Financed largely by the Postcode Lottery Fund, staff from Waterfoot Co-op also helped out and the company provided additional financial support.

Roger Grimshaw, Civic Pride vice chairman, said:

This is evidence of what a small community can achieve when people just roll up their sleeves and get on with it. Well done to you all.