July 4th 2026
Has it really been 50 years since a small group of people met at a community centre somewhere in Halliwell (so the legend goes) and decided to do something to for nature? Apparently so. 50 years of blood, sweat and beers, 50 years of working for wildlife, 50 years of trying to reverse the damage caused by the human world.
Doesn’t time fly.
Over those years we have built ponds, planted woodlands and hedges, reed beds and meadows; created habitat for frogs, toads, newts, dragonflies, butterflies and birds; used traditional crafts for hedge laying, dry stone walling and willow weaving. We have worked with schools, local authorities, farmers, land owners, and other community groups wanting to improve and protect the natural history in their area; and we built and cultivated one of the best independent conservation groups in the country. We have won awards for the work we have done and the respect of some of the great and good in the conservation world.
It’s only fair that we let our hair down (at least those that still have some) and enjoy a night of partying. Without our dedicated band of volunteers we wouldn’t be able to do the things we do, so tonight is for you.
Over 50 years we have had too many volunteers to count. A few are still here from the early days, but a new generation of BCVers are rapidly making their presence felt. But as well as celebrating the present and future, tonight is also about remembering those who are no longer with us. These people gave their time and commitment but didn’t get to see the continuing results of their work. Here’s a list in their memory.
Rick, Dr John, Jane, Dennis and Edith, Jim, Harry, Evelyn, Dennis D, Neil, Dwain, Fred, Kevin, and John F. And lets not forget the pets: Ben, Reggie, Jasper, Buddy, Brandy, Bruno, Floyd, Luna, and Ziggy. I’ll be happy to add any I’ve missed.
So, tonight’s party was held at Tonge Moor Cricket Club and attended by 100 people, a mix of volunteers, clients and colleagues from other groups, friends and well wishers. This wouldn’t have been possible without the contribution and organisational skills of the following heroes: Tom and Caroline, Katrina, Craig, and Jane. Thanks you all. Let me know if I’ve missed anyone and I’ll add them to the list.
If you want to what we did in our Yester years there are photos on our scrapbook pages: Scrapbook 1990s (covers 1980s-1990s, Scrapbook 2000-2010, Scrapbook 2010-2020 enjoy.
