Castleton Volunteer Force bringing out the best in Castleton

Castleton Railway Station

A newly-established group of volunteers is aiming to improve Castleton and bring it back to its 'former glory'.

Started by Ian Gilbertson in early 2021, the Castleton Volunteer Force is a group of people who want the best for the village.

Ian said: “I wanted to see what jobs needed to be done in Castleton, so I put it on Facebook. “People came back to me with the work they do in Castleton that I didn’t know about.

“Castletonians are very proud of their village and we feel this is the time to help bring back its former glories. We have three projects to begin with, and have already raised £1,600 towards the causes.”

The three projects include renovating Chesham Park, brightening the village with Rochdale in Bloom and a Remembrance Wall for fallen soldiers.

Ian added: “We want to improve the old tennis courts at Chesham so Andy Reid, who runs Mayfield juniors, has somewhere for the lads to train.”

Andy has removed all the broken glass, whilst the volunteer force has purchased two sets of portable lights.

Ian continued: “In partnership with Rochdale In Bloom, we aim to help sisters Karen Pilkington and Ann Marie Kent ensure the railway station and the rest of the village is kept at its best. They need flowers, wooden baskets and paint to keep the village looking pretty.

“Finally, Pete Kelly and his wife Joanne from the Commercial pub have done a tremendous job bringing the community pub spirit back to the village. Pete and friends would like a Remembrance wall on the village green to back up the rest of our improved area.”

The Mayor, Councillor Billy Sheerin – also ward councillor for Castleton – has managed to secure ward funds and members’ funding towards the projects, but he also hopes to secure funding from Groundwork for the Chesham Park project.

Councillor Sheerin says improving the facilities at the park will cost around £14,000 and he has managed to gain permission for the stone Remembrance wall.

To donate, please visit:

• www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/castletonvolunteerforce