Taylor Park spruced up by volunteers

Date published: 21 May 2019

Volunteers armed with spades, trowels and hedge cutters turned out in force for the annual tidy-up of Taylor Park in Norden on Sunday (19 May).

The park, located off Bagslate Moor Road and Taylor Avenue, is one of Norden's oldest parks and was once the go-to place for picnic lunches and even wedding photographs.

Dedicated friends group, the Friends of Taylor Park, led by local resident Clive Entwistle, are now trying to restore the park to its former glory with year-round maintenance and a lot of TLC.

Local residents and community volunteers, including members of Rochdale In Bloom, turned out to support the two-hour event, complete with an array of gardening tools. 

Speaking on Sunday, Clive said: "This is the best turnout we have had yet at one of our events and it has really shown what an impact can be made when we all work together. The park is looking amazing and we really have achieved a lot.

"Today has been an incredible effort but there is still a lot to do – nature never stops. We are looking forward to announcing future dates when people can come along again and help us to spruce up the park as it is a real year-round job."

Paul Ellison, of Rochdale In Bloom, added: “Rochdale In Bloom is always happy to help community groups keep our village looking clean and tidy.

“Thanks to Clive and so much effort from the volunteers, Taylor Park now looks ready for summer.”

In recent years, the park has also benefited four litter bins, which were installed in August 2018 and 80m of knee railings in April 2018, installed through ward fund contributions. Benches were installed in late summer, following a path installed by the community service team that spring.