Friends of Gorton Park
The Friends of Gorton Park was formed two years ago to meet the needs of the local community. We hoped that by forming this group we would have a voice in the decision making of what happens in our area, making positive changes.
Previously the group have had two successful events; the Xmas Extravaganza and the Valuing Older People/V E Day Celebrations. Building on this we felt the need to raise the awareness of the park.
We consulted various agencies and engaged with the community.
After researching the idea of a “Fun Day”, we realised that there was a great need for some form of activity in this area. Gorton is one of the poorest areas in Manchester. Like Gorton, the Park has seen better days, for over a decade it has been by-passed, ignored and overlooked. There is a feeling of apathy, resentment and lack of trust amongst the local people. They know they deserve better.
The only thing we had was the swimming pool (Gorton Baths) and now that has gone. Having this event would generate some life and some pride back into Gorton. We promoted well-being, social cohesion, multi-cultural and intergenerational awareness and networks.
We hoped that the day would minimise or prevent anti-social behaviour and crime and to raise awareness of the park as a green sustainable space for recreation. We hope to encourage people, especially vulnerable people, to get involved in the park, i.e. disabled & ethnic minorities, which will improve the quality of their lives.
We hoped that large business and the Council will improve facilities to help contribute to the regeneration of the park and the community to build a mutually supportive network. This event surpassed all our expectations, it was fantastic. The artists that appeared were brilliant, the day was sunny and the atmosphere was simply fabulous.
I would like to thank:
- Ursula Hussain from The Scarman Trust Manchester for assisting me with the grant forms.
- Awards For All and Community Chest for giving us the funding that enabled us to put the event on.
- The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, Mr and Mrs Khan for opening the event.
- Sir Gerald Kaufman for judging the Fancy Hats Parade.
- Councillor Mark Hackett, Executive Member, Culture and Leisure, for attending.
- Thanks to my family and friends for their fantastic & invaluable help and support on the day.
- The Artists, volunteers and the 100 Day Team who were brilliant.
- Manchester Leisure.
- The local community for attending and making it an enjoyable day
The legacy of the event is that we have raised the awareness of the park and we have been told that a lot of money will be going into the park to correct the infra-structure and provide invaluable, well needed equipment for all sections of the community to enjoy. I am already ill undated with requests for a yearly fixture. Was it worth it….Oh yes.
Mrs. Gloria Barnwell (Chair)
Other Pages:
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