TCV’s Skelton Grange Environment Centre celebrates 25 years of environmental education and practical conservation by throwing a huge party for past and present volunteers during National Volunteers’ Week 2017.
Since 1992, staff and volunteers at the much loved centre in South Leeds have used the natural environment to offer a range of education, job skills and recreation opportunities for people of all ages. Skelton Grange receives over 6500 visitors a year, including young people joining environmental education and play activities, and adult trainees and volunteers leading education sessions and conservation and biodiversity projects.
The project aims to widen the experience & aspirations of volunteers, reduce social exclusion and build confidence. Volunteers are able to develop skills for further training or employment, and partake in positive activities which promote lifelong learning and cohesive communities. Every year thousands of people of all ages engage with their local environment where they make a positive difference to their community.
To celebrate these achievements and to mark 25 years of sitting happily in a very industrialised area of South Leeds the centre threw a huge party, inviting past volunteers and stakeholders to come and celebrate and reminisce days gone by. There were art workshops, theatrical performances, kids’ play areas, drumming workshops, delicious food and live music and dancing across the 10 acre site.
Caroline Crossley, Operations Leader at Skelton Grange Environment Centre, commented:
“It was incredible to see hundreds of past volunteers and friends at the party to hear from many who couldn’t make it but sent us lovely messages. It was a wonderful reminder too of everyone who has given us their time, energy and support over the years. It was a splendid event, and really did celebrate the inspiration and generosity of the hundreds of people who have made it such a special place, touching the lives of over quarter of a million others who have benefited from the project”.
The party was made possible due to kind support and funding from the Friends of Skelton Grange, the Big Lottery Celebrate fund, National Grid and The Conservation Volunteers.
