Glitzy do marks Park View success

The group was formed with the aim of providing Lytham children with improved play facilities on the Park View Playing Fields and over the last decade the site has developed into a state-of-the-art recreational area, which now holds the rare distinction of Queen Elizabeth II playing field status.

An amphitheatre and cafe have been added to the site over the last 18 months and over the decade more than £1m, gathered through grants and fund-raising, has been invested in the project.

“We couldn’t have done it without the community and the celebration evening was the opportunity to recognise our unsing heroes,” said community development manager Cath Powell.

“We have created a safe environment not only for young people but for the whole family to enjoy and we have proved that if people work together for the good of the community, then anything is possible.”

Among the guests of honour on the night was Joe Riley, a former pupil of St Bede’s High School, Lytham, who developed his football talent with Lytham Juniors on the Park View Playing Fields and is now on the books of Manchester United.

He presented the Football Award to Sue Royle, the long-serving secretary of Lytham Juniors FC.

The Partnership Award went to Fylde Council and was collected by chief executive Allan Oldfield, while the Volunteer Award winners were Keith Storey and Mary Harris, who were presented with their prize by Fylde Mayor Linda Nulty.

Bernard Pollard took the Garden Club award, Julie Norman and Ted Charnley the Wildlife Watch Club award and there was special recognition for Andrew Barnett and Graham Warrington for their work with the Lytham Community Choir, which had its roots at Park View.

Milkman Glynn Nelson was handed the Above and Beyond special recognition award for, in the words of trustee Anne Ashton, who hosted the ceremony, ‘not just going the extra mile, but an extra 100’, with everything he does to help out.

“It was a wonderful evening celebrating all the progress we have made over the last 10 years and we are all looking forward to the next 10,” added Cath.

Follow us on twitter @The_Gazette and like our page on facebook to keep up with all the latest news.