For several years Civic Pride Rossendale volunteers have been working in Trickett's Memorial Ground in Waterfoot to restore it to it's former glory.  We have cleared the weeds and overgrowth; planted bulbs, flowers, herbs and shrubs; installed a hanging basket tree on the main lawn; put in more benches and litter bins; filled planters with bulbs, and flowers.  Trickett's is looking more colourful and cared for and is now a lovely place for visitors to wander through, sit and eat their packed lunch, or sit and admire the flowers.

But we would like to do more. There is more weeding and planting to do but we would also like to brighten up the bus shelter at the front of the gardens. Together with the White Horse Project, which works with youngsters in the Waterfoot area, and a local artist we would like to produce a mural for the inside wall of the shelter.

The mural will reflect the Memorial Ground and tell it's historical story. After the First World War the workers of HW Trickett's Gaghills Mill footwear factory in Waterfoot wanted to remember the sacrifice that their workplace colleagues who had died in the conflict had made. In 1921 with contributions from the workforce and the management, and with money raised by the factory Choral Society concerts, Thistlemount House and its grounds were purchased.  The house and grounds were immediately gifted to Rossendale Corporation to provide a pleasant open space and gardens for the people of Waterfoot to enjoy.

We would like Trickett's Memorial Ground to again be the haven for local residents and wildlife that it was intended to be, and to tell the story in a colourful mural. The mural will be produced by local children and give them a connection to their local environment and history.