Glossop's biggest community litter picking group is back in action after a near two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Glossop Big Pick was co-founded in 2019 by local councillors Damien Greenhalgh and Rachel Abbotts, The Bureau and local residents who wanted to make a difference to where they live. It is supported by High Peak Borough Council and its AES Team.
The group, which has a new coordinator in Mat Gregory, who is The Bureau’s Community Development Lead, were delighted to start the new year with its first pick last Saturday (15 January) - the first since having to suspend them in March 2020.
Mat said: "It was amazing to see the difference a group of 25 plus individuals working together can make in an hour. We received words of encouragement from passing shoppers and shopkeepers. Our youngest picker, five-year-old Arthur, even got some pocket money from a grateful shopkeeper. There was a real community spirit to the morning."
New coordinator Mat with the haul of litter collected during the January Big Pick
Councillor Damien Greenhalgh welcomed all the returning pickers and thanked those joining for the first time at the 10am start.
He said: "It was so blooming lovely to get back to it after the break imposed by the pandemic. It was just the positive antidote the all the doom, heartache and anguish of the previous years.
"You just turn up; we give you all the equipment you need and you just have at it. It’s quite addictive once you get going. You want to get every last plastic bottle and cigarette end."
As with previous Glossop Big Picks, all those volunteering on the day are provided with all the equipment such as bags, pickers and gloves along with hi-vis vests. People are also invited to come into The Bureau for a hot drink and some biscuits or bit of cake and a chat when they return if they would like.
If you would like to volunteer at the next Glossop Big Pick it will be on Saturday 19 February. Just meet outside The Bureau on Henry Street in Glossop.
To find out any more information, you can follow the Big Pick on Facebook by searching 'Glossop Big Pick' or email Matthew@the-bureau.org.uk or GlossopBigPick@gmail.com
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