by Dan Warren
A crowdfunder has been launched to raise funds to carry out urgent repairs to the old ranger’s cabin at Woolston Park.
Repairs needed include addressing some holes in the exterior panelling, new doors and re-painting for protection.
As home to Bruche Junior Football Club, Friends of Woolston Park and Mental Health Mates, the cabin is for the whole community around Woolston and beyond. A place that also includes a tuck shop, that is open to all including dog walkers stopping for a chat and children stopping by for duck food before walking to the pond.
Bruche JFC are a non-profit football club from age 4 upwards. The cabin is the heart of the club where the children love to come after matches for a treat and talk about their game, parents can get a warm drink while watching their children play football. Also, the club supports local teenagers as volunteers who are doing their Duke of Edinburgh Award.
The Friends of Woolston Park is also a non-profit organisation that began as a small group of volunteers who assisted the Rangers working on the park. When the Ranger service was withdrawn, the volunteers formed a community association group. They maintain the park through regular litter picks, clearing paths and cutting back trees/bushes, and gardening in the jubilee garden to keep it pleasant and safe for all. They engage with local residents and park users which has created a lovely community spirit. Nature walks are also run, alongside working with local schools, cubs and scouts and Warrington-based companies.
The Young Friends of Woolston Park meet regularly for nature-inspired activities, which develop their knowledge, and grow their responsibilities about the park while having fun. Once a month they undertake different activities which recently have included pumpkin carving, bird bingo, meeting birds of prey, a bat walk and most recently creating Christmas wreathes. They also help to support the wildlife in the park with bird boxes and bug hotels.
Mental Health Mates are a network of volunteer-led, peer support groups that encourage people to walk and talk it is an opportunity for people of all ages and abilities. They meet regularly at Woolston Park cabin, then go for a walk and return to the cabin for refreshments.
Donations can be made via https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/CabinofWoolstonParkRepairs
