Since the formation of the Friends, we have removed over 12 tonnes of rubbish from the River Freshney and surrounding areas, held talks and presentations at many local schools and community groups, done public consultations, taken schools and groups out for nature trails and other educational activities, planted flowers and shrubs, painted benches and railings and organised numerous other events on the Duke of York Gardens.

We have provided park seats, held woodcarving workshops and have brought colour to the park through various art projects including Tree Carvings, Paintings including Spray Paint Art on a Teen Shelter to give the park a sense of identity for young people. We also commissioned a Mosaic Seat with help from local children and renowned artist Gill Hobson.

In 2007 the Friends and North East Lincolnshire Council took part in the Waste Recycling Group (WRG) and Waste Recycling Environment (WREN) Community Challenge as we wanted funding to provide a new play area in one of the most deprived areas of the UK. We were invited to the House of Commons in November 2007 and I was thrilled to be presented with a cheque for £137,000 for a new Play Area and Teen Shelter, which was opened by the Mayor in August 2008.

The problems we have encountered are many, however we are starting to see a real difference and the future is looking much brighter, more people are becoming concerned about environmental issues both locally and nationally. I was featured on national TV on BBC Breakfast and have appeared on local TV and radio many times, as a result I received emails from people all over the world who have been inspired by what we are trying to achieve. Changing attitudes and restoring pride is not an easy task especially in some of the most deprived areas in the UK but we are steadily making progress.

In November 2006 Chris won an award for Outstanding Service to the Community Award (OSCA) and was highly commended in this year’s government “Respect” awards. Also in 2007 Chris was runner up in the Mayor of N.E. Lincolnshire’s Volunteer of the Year Award.