Friends of Milnrow Library and Clock Tower to be started

Irene Davidson, the secretary of the Friends of Milnrow Park, is looking to set up a Friends of Milnrow Library and Clock Tower group.

Irene said: “The reason for doing this is that it has been proved that a friends group made up by members of local residents can make a big difference to any project.”

Irene, who helped save Milnrow Library from closure, would like to raise some money to help make improvements on the building. This would include a lift being installed and work on the “beautiful” room upstairs to allow the room to be used by the community.

“The library isn’t going anywhere so it seems appropriate to do some work on it,” said Irene.

A lift could cost up to £30,000 and Irene thinks that trying to raise the money in small amounts is the best way forward.

Irene added: “From my experience, I have found that raising the money in small amounts is easier than finding it in one big chunk so that is where a friends group would come in handy.”

The clock tower is described as an “asset” to the village with Irene hoping to get the clock functioning again.

The building for the clock is currently privately owned but Irene has spoken to the owner and they have no problems with a group looking at getting the clock working again.

Irene added: “Not only is it a landmark but it is a link to our village past.”

Irene was responsible for setting up the Friends of Memorial Park group over ten years ago and has had success with that group. She said: “We did a lot with that group and we have a lot more to do so it just proves that things like this work.”

The group only needs five to six people to get started. “With Friends of Memorial Park we started with about 12 people and are now at about nine but it doesn’t take a lot,” added Irene.

Anyone interested in joining the group can contact Irene on davidson967@btinternet.com or 07889 763078.