Celebrating 50,000 Hours of Volunteering
Friends of Didsbury Park | Volunteers’ Week 2025
Since 2014, volunteers have given their time, care, and energy to Didsbury Park - and together, they’re approaching a remarkable milestone: 50,000 hours of volunteering.
This Volunteers’ Week, we’re sharing real stories from the people who make this possible. Every day, we’ll spotlight a different voice - from planters to park-lovers, litter-pickers to long-time supporters.
Follow along, be inspired, and discover how you too can get involved.
Gill, Monday Morning Supporter
Gill has been volunteering in Didsbury Park for over a decade. A regular on Monday mornings, she looks after the tea and coffee orders during the group’s break, and lends a hand with whatever else is needed.
She got involved back in 2014, when a community meeting was called to revive the park. As a daily park user, Gill wanted to help - and she’s been part of the group ever since.
For Gill, the magic lies in the park’s transformation:
"The resulting beauty of the park as an oasis of greenery, flowers and order."
Volunteering has brought her friendship and fulfilment - ‘meeting and working with a wide range of lovely people’ - and the King's Award for Voluntary Service was a moment she'll never forget.
Her message to anyone thinking about volunteering?
"Do it!"
Sandra, Membership Secretary & Gardener
Sandra joined the Friends of Didsbury Park four years ago, shortly after moving to the area and retiring from her career as a Community Nurse.
Volunteering offered her a new start - something totally different, and a way to connect with her new community.
She now helps maintain the park and serves as joint Membership Secretary. From mowing and leaf-blowing to learning the art of dry hedging, Sandra’s picked up new skills and found deep joy in giving back.
"There’s a great atmosphere, a close camaraderie, and I benefit from the vast knowledge of the horticultural team."
For Sandra, volunteering is summed up by Tina Turner’s anthem: "Simply the Best." Her advice?
"Don’t be hesitant, be adventurous… it’s so rewarding knowing your contribution is invaluable and worthwhile."
Allan, Shelter Opener & Trustee
Allan is one of the first to arrive on Volunteer Day, opening up the shelter and setting out the tools before the team arrives. He’s also a trustee of the Friends of Didsbury Park charity - and a proud member of the community he serves.
His volunteering journey began with a dog walk:
“I was passing by and the group looked so friendly, I thought I could make a difference.”
Two years later, he’s found a niche that brings purpose and joy.
Spring is a favourite time for Allan.
“We’ve planted 200,000 bulbs, and when the colours come through, it’s so uplifting to know I’ve been part of it.”
His message to anyone thinking about volunteering?
“It’s very worthwhile - and if you have the time, you’ll never regret it.”
Sonia, Monday Morning Gardener
Sonia volunteers every Monday morning, helping out with whatever the park needs — planting, digging, weeding, and keeping things looking lovely for everyone who visits. A retired teacher, she lives nearby and has seen first-hand how much the park has flourished thanks to volunteer support.
Getting involved was her way of staying active, making friends, and giving back.
“The Friends of Didsbury Park is at the heart of the community,” she says. “No two Mondays are the same. We involve local schools, host volunteers from industry — and always have fun.”
A memory that sticks with Sonia? A midwife who, after delivering babies all night, came to the park before going home to rest.
“It was her way of relaxing and calming down. Volunteering helps at so many levels.”
Her advice to others:
“There are so many ways to help others and feel good about yourself. I would recommend it to anyone.”
Want to support the next 50,000 hours?
👉 Become a member of the Friends of Didsbury Park for just £10 a year - and help fund plants, tools, events, and improvements. You don’t have to volunteer hands-on to make a difference.
📅 New story added daily from 2–8 June
📸 Check back tomorrow for the next volunteer voice!
Has what you’ve heard here inspired you? Are you interested in volunteering? Explore local opportunities and get support via the Volunteer Centre Manchester: https://manchestercommunitycentral.org/volunteer-centre-manchester/i-want-volunteer