On Saturday 22 April 2023 Winnington Park RFC were proud to officially open of their newly created nature trail in the wooded area at the far end of the first team pitch. The wooded area adjoins the fence line for Ecolab, the clubs main sponsor in which they have installed an access gate. A gravel path has been installed with flowers, bird boxes, bug houses, a toddler obstacle course and sitting area for the staff at Ecolab to relax at lunchtime and the members of the club to enjoy.
The nature trail was officially named as Sheppy's Wood due to a large proportion of the groundworks being completed by Chris Sheppard a former player who has retired from playing due to injury but has embraced the club and at a young age putting many hours into supporting the club as a volunteer having coached successfully the last two seasons the colts teams in winning the league and several cup final appearances.
The club would like to thank Ecolab for sponsoring the project, Petty Pool Trust Students ( PettyPool+ ) who have supported the planning, design and groundworks, John Rudkin a former player for the fantastic oak sign made for the area and Billy Booker club stalwart and his team known as, "The Last of the Summer Wine Crew". This is a a group of former players who are all pensioners who spend many hours as volunteers keeping the club ground and pitches in top condition in all weathers all year round.
Grass Roots Rugby would not survive without the many volunteers who give back to the club in all areas with their time effort and working experience in keeping the club a great place to be.
Anyone wishing to get involved as a volunteer should contact or speak to the club committee members, we will welcome anyone from the community to get involved what ever you can offer in return you will have a great time , meet new friends and learn new skills. Please contact enquires@wprfc.com
Picture shows WPRFC members, Zoe Glendinning from Eclolab and Mike Kirkman from Petty Pool Trust.
