Haslingden and Helmshore Civic Pride volunteers marked the end of a chapter in April and are now looking forward to the beginning of the next as they join forces with Civic Pride Rossendale.
A Legacy of Community Pride
Jan Nangle, chair of HHCP, said: “We are proud of our volunteers. We are a small but effective team, and have become a group of good friends. We have brought colour and pride to our local town, and we always appreciate engagement from the local community.” The group wanted to tell their story and celebrate their history and achievements over the past few years.
The group was started by Kathy Allcock, who, after working in Rawtenstall with Civic Pride Rossendale, realised she wanted to do something similar in Haslingden and Helmshore. In August 2012, she started the group alongside her husband, daughter, and mother-in-law. A small group of volunteers later developed and became Haslingden Civic Pride, initially concentrating on litter picking to improve the area.
From Litter Picking to Registered Charity
In April 2017, they became a registered charity so they could apply for funding and grants to carry out major projects alongside their regular litter picking.
Their first gardening project was the site near the Green Squirrel pub in Haslingden, which was entered into the Royal Horticultural Society’s “It’s Your Neighbourhood” competition—part of the Britain in Bloom initiative. Later, Squirrel Square was developed just across the road.
Expanding Horizons
Following this initial success, the group changed its name to Haslingden and Helmshore Civic Pride in April 2019. With an influx of volunteers, additional gardening projects were created. They now look after five gardens, 11 plant tubs, two large planters, and barrier baskets, while many volunteers continue to litter pick the area on a regular basis. Major projects have included the development at the corner of Regent Street and Blackburn Road—transforming a derelict site into a colourful, delightful garden—and the creation of Garage Corner on Blackburn Road.
Kathy said: “I am proud to be a member of a group that continues to make a massive difference to where we live.”
Janet added: “As a litter picker, I am pipped at by passing motorists, stopped and thanked by pedestrians, and questioned by others who ask, 'Why do you do this when you don't get paid?' Whether it's a beep, a thank you, or a question, they all mean that we are being noticed and are hopefully making a difference.”
Looking to the Future
Now looking to the future, Jan Nangle said: “I have been proud to chair HHCP since 2021, but alongside our officers, we feel that the group needs a slightly different approach to re-energise our activities. We are excited about becoming part of Civic Pride Rossendale. It will allow us to carry on our volunteering and focus on the things we enjoy—getting outdoors and making a difference to our area. I'm grateful for the welcome we have received and I'm sure that together we will go from strength to strength.”
Lynn Smith, chair of CPR, and Charlotte Hocking, the vice chair, have been working closely with HHCP to ensure a smooth transition. Lynn said: “We are delighted to welcome such a lovely group of volunteers and are amazed at what they have achieved in the Haslingden and Helmshore area. We are really looking forward to our future together.”
If you would like to help Civic Pride by gardening, litter picking, or making a donation to help make a difference in Rawtenstall, Crawshawbooth, Edenfield, Haslingden, Helmshore, or Waterfoot, please visit www.civic-pride.org.uk or email info@civic-pride.org.uk. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram at Civic Pride Rossendale.
