Cracking community spirit in Falinge as volunteers give away thousands of free eggs

Cracking community spirit was on display last weekend as Vintage Worx, Spotland Methodist Church, The Salvation Army and Councillor Rachel Massey gave away thousands of boxes of eggs at Falinge Park on Saturday (8 May).
 

Read more: It's no yolk: 28,000 free eggs to be given away from Falinge Park on Saturday 8 MayPublished: 07 May 2021

Approximately 28,000 eggs were donated by the Salvation Army, who wanted to help as many people as possible in the community. The majority were donated to local food banks and community soup kitchens, but a plan had to be hatched for the eggs they couldn’t use.

The team of volunteers braved a very wet morning to give away the remaining 10,000 eggs from the entrance to the park, with hundreds of residents turning out for the freebies.

 

 

Councillor Rachel Massey said: “It was great to speak to residents in person today and to be out raising community spirit. So many reported feeling isolated through lockdown and many admitted that they are truly struggling making ends meet trying to feed their family.

“The cost of the pandemic to our economy is huge, and we need this government to properly support our communities or risk being left behind in the recovery.”

Volunteer Leonie O'Donoghue, who kept the team motivated by dancing in the rain, added: “The people of Rochdale who collected eggs today were so thankful, with many wanting to give their eggs to friends, and neighbours who couldn’t get out.”

Falinge Park is at the heart of the community with many exciting developments on the horizon as community group Vintage Worx looks to restore the park’s buildings and green spaces. They are striving to provide a new café, function rooms and space for the community to hold craft and other classes and events throughout the year. 

 

 

Tracie Powers, who is leading the transformation, said: “There are many exciting things to come. We want to restore the park, and we want our community to be able to use, and enjoy it. As restrictions ease we are looking forward to welcoming people back with a cup of tea and piece of cake in the café.”

The park’s first event since lockdown closed it in 2020 will be the hugely popular ‘Around the World’ food festival. All being well, the event will be taking place this July with global food stalls offering a taste of the world, with crafts and cultural displays also on offer.