Word on the Street in Trawden

Meet…
MICHAEL HOLT

A little bit about you…

“I volunteer at the shop a couple of times a week and come along to the bowling. I was also invited to a meeting recently to help set up a man shed, where people can bring broken items for others to repair. We’re hoping to get people involved to help repair items and increase their own well-being by getting out and meeting people. So that is a new initiative we’ve started. Hopefully, it will have its first session in two weeks’ time.

During COVID, I put together the metal structure you see as you are driving through Cotton Tree, a wonderful assortment of steampunk animal creations for the countryside scene. I’m handy, so it works well with setting up the repair shop.”

What makes Trawden special?

“The community is so special. I come to the friendship group, and it provides so much support. I couldn’t be in a better place. A few years ago, everything was shutting down in Trawden, but the community has revived it all.”

Favourite place in Trawden is…

“It has to be the community centre.”

Meet…
HELEN HODKINSON

A little bit about you…

“I volunteer at Trawden Forest Community Centre and Shop but am now a community support worker. I can help anyone in the village with shopping, picking up prescriptions, or pointing in the right direction if they need to.
I’ve been a volunteer since the shop opened and have been employed for 18 months. It’s the best job in the world. I left the NHS after working with them for 30 years. It’s great to put something back into the community and help people. The best thing is when people say I’ve made a difference in their lives. I also run a friendship group every other week, catering for 50 with a two-course lunch at the community centre. We quite often have speakers and entertainers.”

What makes Trawden special?

“You can come here, and your day will brighten up because people talk to you. You can chat and have a cup of tea. People say they come in here feeling a little down and feel much better. There’s always someone around. It’s usually my day off today, but I’ve come down, and you end up talking.”

Favourite place in Trawden is…

“The community library.”

Meet…
ANN BOOCOCK

A little bit about you…

“I am Chair of Trustees for the Trawden Forest Community Centre, Shop & Library. I’m also a volunteer in the shop and pub. I was born in Nelson and have lived in Colne most of my life, and then Winewall for 32 years. My grandad lived in Trawden, and my sister lives in my grandad’s house. I’ve always had a connection with Trawden.”

What makes Trawden special?

“We have well over 100 active volunteers within the community centre, library and shop, and then you’ve got uniformed groups and activities such as indoor bowling and Trawden in Bloom. There’s so much going on! There’s so much community spirit. That’s what is lovely about living in Trawden. Some so many fantastic people are willing to give up their time.”

Favourite place in Trawden is…

“I’d have to say the shop and the community centre. We’re so lucky to have this facility. The pub’s amazing too!”

Meet…
LINDA HAYTHORNTHWAITE AND PETRIA HYDE

A little bit about you…

“We both volunteer at the shop twice weekly and make tea and coffee for the bowling group. We also got roped in to play the games which are very good.”

What makes Trawden special?

“Everyone in Trawden talks to one another. People always speak to each other when you are out and about because we are all part of the community.”

Favourite place in Trawden is…

“Probably the pub! With a glass of Rosé. And the shop because there is such a variety of things.”

Meet…
TIM BALL

A little bit about you…

“I’m an off-cumden from near Banbury. My daughter lives in Earby, so we moved up to be close to her. We came from a very small village and were looking for somewhere with a similar community spirit. My wife and I both volunteer in the shop. Wednesday is my volunteering day! We also work as volunteers for Trawden in Bloom.”

What makes Trawden special?

“The community spirit!”

Favourite place in Trawden is…

“The surroundings of Trawden. We like walking and have discovered loads of footpaths during lockdown.”

Meet…
CHRISTINE DAWSON

A little bit about you…

“I come to the bowling at the community centre. I started in October. It’s brilliant, I didn’t know anyone at first, but everyone is so nice, and I enjoy the games. I’m originally from Burnley and live in Colne, so it’s only down the road from me.”

What makes Trawden special?

“It seems to be a good community; it really does. Bowling is very popular, and it’s a lovely social occasion.”

Favourite place in Trawden is…

“The community centre.”

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ColneLife March/April 24