Focus on Littleborough: The Friends of Hollingworth Lake

Photo: Matt Barker

Hollingworth Lake

2 More Image(s) In Gallery

Another well known friends group based in Littleborough is the Friends of Hollingworth Lake.

Hollingworth Lake was built over 200 years ago to supply water to the Rochdale Canal.
Today it is the centre of a popular Country Park with visitor facilities, nature areas and a variety if water sports including rowing, sailing and canoeing.

Three years ago the friends group was set up with the aim of developing and improving new and existing facilities, the local environment and the safety of the Hollingworth Lake Country Park area for the benefit of all.

Three years since the group began the current Chairman Ray Smith talks about the group’s achievements and what the future holds.

Mr Smith got involved with the group at the very beginning and has been Chairman for the last two years, he has an extensive background in horticulture, and he worked for local authorities across the region in landscaping before setting up on his own.

Mr Smith described his involvement with the friends as “payback” he said it is his chance to give something back after having a brilliant life.

The first task the group undertook was the creation of the Sensory Garden next to the visitors centre.

“We wanted to commemorate the start of the group,” said Mr Smith. “It seemed like a good idea so that’s what we did, it is very very well used which is good.”

The group is currently hoping to improve the bird hide, which is in a bad state of repair, dependent on grants it is hoped the new bird hide will be completed by next spring and will last for many years.

Two of the groups’ members are also working on two schemes to improve the footpaths; one of the schemes is to create fishing platforms for the disabled and also to improve the walk around the lake with picnic tables, new seats and benches.

The second of the two schemes is to plants more trees and wildflowers along the footpaths and install new kissing gates.

The work the friends group does is funded through grants and member subscription.

The group has almost 50 members, including Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk and local Councillors. Those working pay a £10 subscription and those who don’t pay £5.

The friends have had various grants from the Big Lottery Fund and also receive grants from the Pennine Township.

Mr Smith said one of his favourite memories of the group was the recent opening of the new play area at the Lake.

“It was a lot of hard work,” he said, “But we got there in the end. I have been surprised just how many people are using it but that is exactly what we wanted.

“I am chuffed to see any scheme come to fruition especially this one.”

Mr Smith described the groups members as “absolutely brilliant” he added: “It all seems to be working very well.”

Speaking about the future of the group Mr Smith said: “I am very positive – there are so many things that we can be involved in that can be of benefit to everybody.

“Of course one of the difficult things at the moment is the money situation.”

When asked what his favourite thing in Littleborough was Mr Smith answered: “I enjoy watching boats on the canal and of course waking around the lake.”

To find out about more community groups in Littleborough visit:

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/community/groups/littleborough