Friends of Hare Hill Park

Volunteering has a funny way of sneaking up on you. One minute a group is ticking along as it always has, the next it’s on the brink of disappearing altogether. That’s pretty much what happened with Friends of Hare Hill Park.

The group has been around for over 20 years, but like most community organisations everything came to a halt in 2020 during the COVID pandemic. By the time things were able to restart, the Chair and several key volunteers had either moved away or decided not to return. That left just one lone member trying to keep the whole thing alive.

Thankfully, help came via the Littleborough Event and Associations Forum (LEAF). The call went out, and a number of people stepped in, joining the Friends group while also supporting LEAF. That support has made a huge difference and helped get events back up and running in the park.

These days, the Friends organise a handful of much-loved events, mainly six brass band concerts throughout the year, plus a special Christmas Eve Carol event which has become a real highlight for many locals.

My role is fairly hands-on and very practical. I help with setting up and packing down, and during the events themselves I’m usually stewarding, keeping an eye on things and helping out where needed. Nothing glamorous, but it all needs doing — and it’s surprisingly satisfying being part of something that brings people together.

It’s been great to see Hare Hill Park busy again, with music, familiar faces and a real sense of community. Proof that even when things wobble, a bit of collective effort can keep something special going.