Dedicated park group leader bows out
A member of Buddies of Beckets is stepping down from his role as Chairperson.
Nick Stephens, who co-founded the park volunteer group in 2016, has been Chairperson of the organisation for the last nine years.
Buddies of Beckets (BOB) was formed to improve the appearance, facilities, conservation value and safety of Beckets Park.
Nick said,
“I have been involved with BOB from the very beginning. I live near the park and walk my dogs there nearly every day.
In 2016 I thought the park was unloved and uncared for and together with another local resident, Joy Ormond, I set up a group to try and make the park better. Over the years we have achieved some great improvements but by always working in partnership. That’s the only way to get things done. The University of Northampton, idverde and the Council have all helped at times”.
Nick Stephens has played a key role in encouraging greater community use of Beckets Park. He and his team were responsible for Northampton’s first ever Mela event in 2017 which brought different communities together showing-casing their culture, food, music, dance and fashion.
“I remember the Mela very well” added Nick.
“We had so many different communities involved – Irish dancers, Sikh drummers and singing, Ghanaian fashion, Indian dance and fitness, Pakistani and Bangladeshi food. It was a very successful event and so we followed up with a second one the following year”.
Nick continued,
“I have lost count of the events we have helped organise in the park. We have had dog events, charity walks and runs, Elf door hunts, Halloween events, community litter picks, photographic competitions, music, poetry readings, a picnic for visiting Palestinian children, tree planting, family well-being events,
organised Sunday walks, free personal fitness lessons and numerous festivals.
We have campaigned for better lighting and CCTV in the park and ensured the park is better maintained and safer. We created a wild flower meadow, installed information boards and regularly meet with partners and park users to consider future needs”.
Over the years BOB has won many awards including Northampton’s Heart of the Community Award, Northampton and East Midlands in Bloom Gold medals and Nick himself was a finalist in the Northampton male role model of the year competition 2020.
Most recently BOB supported the opening of a new café in the park which had been on their wish list for a long time.
Iain Hill, the owner on the new Pavilion Café sited in Beckets park said,
“My team and I got to know Nick fairly recently as we liaised with the council and partners about opening the café. From the start Nick was very supportive and encouraging. Everyone said ‘He’s a lovely man’ and it was true. Nick loves the park and has given so much time and effort to it.”
Although Nick will no longer be Chairperson of BOB, he will continue being a volunteer.
He added,
“Beckets Park is very close to my heart but I will be spending some more quality time with my family – particularly my five year old
grandson Alfie.
The BOB committee will continue with the work to raise the profile of Beckets Park and I’m sure further improvements will take place.”
Luisa Jepson, the temporary Chairperson added,
“Nick has been the driving force of BOB for over nine years and it’s only fair that he takes it easier now he is in his early 70s. We know we can still rely on his support and guidance when needed.”