THE Friends of Wombwell Park work year-round to ensure locals have an amazing community asset on their doorstep - and their hard work is being recognised having been nominated for a Proud of Barnsley award.
The group have been going strong for well over a decade and there’s still three original members who help out.
Whether it’s putting on the famous ‘Picnic in the Park’ event or just clearing up the area, they’re a real community asset.
Co-chair Amanda Bradshaw told the Chronicle: “It’s been going for over 15 years now.
“We’ve still got three of our original members.
“We’re well-known for a Picnic in the Park event which sees around 2,000 people attend.
“We also do some summer activities for the children - crafts, sports and we even get street entertainers in.
“Every Tuesday for ten months of the year we’re out and about litter picking and doing general park maintenance.”
Amanda says a lot of the volunteers are in their 70s - and for many it’s the highlight of their week.
“We’re a very friendly group,” she added.
“We’ve built up some strong friendships.
“We love doing what we do for the community.
“It’s invaluable.
“Most of our volunteers are in their late 70s but we do have some younger people coming now to help out.
“They get a lot out of it.
“It’s lovely to see the smiles on people’s faces when they’re at an event.”
The group have been nominated in the Love Where You Live category of this year’s Proud of Barnsley awards.
Amanda added: “It’s really nice to be nominated.
“It’s made a lot of people happy.
“We’re really pleased and honoured to have been nominated.
“It’s nice because it shows people are recognising the work that we’re doing.”
Coun James Higginbottom, who represents the Wombwell ward, nominated the group for their efforts.
He said: “I am delighted to nominate Friends of Wombwell Park for a Proud of Barnsley award.
“This dedicated group of volunteers has shown unwavering commitment to enhancing the beauty and accessibility of Wombwell Park, making it a cherished community space for all.
“Friends of Wombwell Park have tirelessly worked on various initiatives, including regular workdays on a Tuesday morning to clean-up the park, planting bulbs and flowers, and organising community activities, such as the annual ‘Picnic in the Park’ and summer activity programme that bring the whole community together.
“Their efforts have not only improved the park’s environment but also fostered a sense of pride and ownership among local residents.
“The group’s dedication to preserving and enhancing the facilities in Wombwell Park and their proactive approach to community engagement make them truly deserving of this recognition.
“Their hard work and passion have made a significant positive impact on our community, and I wholeheartedly recommend their nomination for the Proud of Barnsley award.”
