Warrington’s community spirit was on full display at Victoria Park on Saturday – from the hundreds taking part in Parkrun to the volunteers who helped make a special MND event possible.
A bumper 656 people completed the 5km Warrington Victoria Parkrun in glorious sunshine, before, just five hours later, former Mayor of Warrington Geoff Settle joined the crowds welcoming rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield to the athletics track.
Sinfield was completing the final leg of his latest 7 in 7 challenge, raising money and awareness for the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association.
As part of his run to the Grand Final at Old Trafford, he arrived at Victoria Park to join members of the local MND community for an additional mile around the athletics track.
Geoff said Kevin’s arrival created a memorable moment for those taking part.
“The arrival of Kevin at Victoria Park’s athletic track inspired the waiting MND community who were ready to do the extra mile.
“He spoke to them warmly and encouraged them to get to know each other for future support and friendship. He then led them around four laps of the blue track to do their mile.
“It was great to watch and the cheers from the spectators were a lovely sound as they completed each lap.”
The power of volunteering
Geoff believes the events demonstrated the important role volunteers play across Warrington – and is encouraging more people to get involved.
Both Parkrun and the MND Association rely heavily on volunteers, providing opportunities for people to contribute to their communities while also building friendships and gaining valuable experience.
“Volunteering is very rewarding and often gives you experiences and responsibilities that will last you a lifetime,” said Geoff.
“Some you can put on your CV.”
For anyone looking to find an opportunity, he recommends Warrington Voluntary Action, based at The Gateway opposite Warrington Town Hall, which can connect people with charities and organisations looking for volunteers.
There are a huge variety of opportunities available, from supporting community groups and charities to helping with events and fundraising.
Geoff recalls his own time as mayor, when he was regularly invited to attend events organised by local charities.
“I couldn’t believe how many charities I was invited to attend and speak at,” he said.
“There was always a warm reception. However, ten years on, times have changed and things are much harder. Cuts and the lack of cash for the charity bucket have only made things worse.”
For those looking for something active, volunteering at the weekly Warrington Parkrun could be a good place to start.
Volunteers meet at around 8.30am on Saturday mornings, where roles are allocated before the Run Director gives the briefing.
Park Run volunteers
Last week’s event had 48 volunteers, including 18 pacers, mainly from Victoria Park RC and Spectrum Striders.
Pacers wear light blue vests displaying the finishing time they are aiming for, allowing runners to follow them if they have a particular target time.
Other volunteers take on roles including barcode scanning, managing the finish-token funnel, marshalling and acting as tail walker – staying with the final participant and helping guide them safely around the course.
The event is open to runners, walkers, buggies and dogs, provided dogs are kept on a short lead.
For those who prefer a less energetic volunteering role, Geoff also points to Warrington Visually Impaired People, based at the Old School on Fairfield and Howley, where he is chairman.
Opportunities include becoming a minibus driver or driver’s assistant, helping as a waiter, chatting with members, playing dominoes or even becoming a trustee.
And that is just one organisation.
“There are loads more charities available offering a variety of roles,” said Geoff.
Geoff also believes Warrington’s mayors deserve greater recognition for the role they play in supporting the town’s voluntary and charitable sector.
“Our mayors are great champions of volunteers and charities and do a fantastic job in raising funds and promoting causes in the town,” he said.
However, he believes the civic role is sometimes misunderstood on social media.
“People don’t understand what a Warrington Mayor is,” he said.
“They have a civic role and are selected by a committee of their peers for their good standing in the community. It is a non-political role, and they keep order in full council meetings.”
Geoff is also encouraging local charities, community groups and organisations to make use of the mayor’s support by inviting them to their events.
“You can write to the mayor and invite them to your event,” he said.
“Why not do so and celebrate with them your success – and that of your volunteers?”
For more information about volunteering opportunities, contact Warrington Voluntary Action or speak to local charities and community organisations.
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