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BARBARA LITTLEWOOD MBE
The Friends are very sad to announce the death of Barbara Littlewood who was the inspiration behind the formation of the Friends of Ulley Country Park in 2006.
Barbara served as Secretary until 2014 and continued as an active member of the committee until quite recently. She was committed to promoting and improving the Park as a popular attraction for Rotherham, making a massive contribution to develop the facilities and organise events for visitors to enjoy.
We send our condolences to Barbara’s family at this sad time.
FUNGI WALK AND CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING AT NOVEMBER CAFE DAY
The annual Fungi Walk round the Park will be led by Saffy, a member of the Sorby Fungus group, at the Friends Cafe Day on Sunday 16th of November. The walk will start from the Visitors Centre at 11.15am.
There willl also be an opportunity to make a Christmas wreath with guidance from Sue Walker. The cafe will be open from 11am until 3pm serving homemade soup, cakes and refreshments.
BRASS BAND CONCERT 21st NOVEMBER
The annual Brass Band Concert featuring Thurcroft Brass Band will be held in Ulley Parish Church on the 21st of November starting at 7.15pm. Tickets are 7 pounds including refreshments and are on sale at our cafe day on the 16th of November. Tickets can also be ordered by email at friendsofulleycountrypark@gmail.com or from Paul Nash on 01709 370797
NEW FRIENDS SCULPTURE UNVEILED
The new sculpture commissioned by the Friends was unveiled by Bobbie Hillman, past Chair of the Friends group, at the Cafe Day on Sunday 15th of June. The sculpture titled ‘In the trees’ has been created by mosaic artist Coralie Turpin and celebrates 20 years of the Friends activities in the Park.
Pictured next to the sculpture are Chair Di Haswell, mosaic sculptor Coralie Turpin, past Chair Bobbie Hillman and founder member Barbara Littlewood (seated).
The sculpture was partly funded by OnPath Energy, who now own the Penny Hill Windfarm and Tim Dalton from Point North (who manage their Community Fund) met the Friends for a photo shoot as part of their press release.
FRIENDS CAFE DAY COOKBOOK ON SALE
The Friends have published a cookbook of recipes used at our Cafe Days, with a few extra favourites. The cookbook has artwork prepared by the Ulley Art Group and is a real bargain at FIVE pounds! The book will be on sale at Cafe Days or it can be ordered by email at friendsofulleycountrypark@gmail.com
PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION 2025
The Friends of Ulley Country Park are holding a competition for the Best Ulley photograph taken in the Park during 2025. Entries to be submitted by e-mail to friendsofulleycountrypark@gmail.com
Prizes for the best 3 photographs voted on at the AGM in November, from a shortlist drawn up by the Committee.
1st prize 50 pounds 2nd prize 25 pounds 3rd prize 15 pounds
Conditions
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All photographs should be taken in the Park during 2025 and have no words or enhancements added.
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A maximum of 5 photographs may be submitted per person.
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Photographs submitted may be used by the Friends for publicity and fund raising purposes.
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Closing date for entries is the 31st of October 2025
The winner of last years photographic competition is Natalie Cawkwell who takes the First Prize of 40 pounds.
Second prize of 25 pounds was won by Graeme Manning and 3rd prize of 15 pounds was won by Candice Wright. Details of all the shortlisted photographs are on the website.
Thanks to all the 26 photographers who submitted entries in the competition
CAFE DAYS IN 2025
The Friends of Ulley Country Park will be holding Cafe Days on the following Sundays during 2025
JULY 20th AUGUST 17th SEPTEMBER 21st OCTOBER 19th NOVEMBER 16th DECEMBER 14th
The Cafe will be open in the Visitors Centre from 11am until 3pm
WHO ARE THE FRIENDS OF ULLEY COUNTRY PARK
The Friends of Ulley Country Park is a voluntary organisation working in partnership with Rotherham Council, the owners of the Park, to protect and enhance the natural environment in the Park.
Membership of the Friends group is open to everyone and is now well over 200. We have provided significant financial support to the Rangers team at Ulley since the group was founded in 2006 and continue to work positively towards ensuring the facilities in the Park are improved and maintained for the enjoyment of all visitors.
The elected Committee meets monthly at the Visitors Centre, with the Council’s Rangers Green Spaces team, to discuss the Friends activities and proposals for projects to be implemented in the Park. As a voluntary group, the Friends have successfully applied for grant funding to enable additional resources for various projects in the Park.
The Friends hold a monthly Café Day in the Visitors Centre, generally on the third Sunday of the month, to encourage visitors to the Park and raise vital funds for carrying out improvements in the Park.
Two newsletters are also usually circulated to members each year, in Spring and Autumn, giving details of the Friends activities and projects being implemented in the Park
The Aims of the Friends group are set out in the constitution and are summarised as follows:-
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To protect and enhance the Park, its amenities and its heritage
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To work in partnership with Rotherham Borough Council
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To promote further development through grant funding and volunteering
How to join
Annual membership of the Friends group is only £5 and new members receive a copy of “The Story of Ulley Country Park” written by Russ Howes. If you would like to join either:-
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contact the Secretary, Paul Nash on 01709 370797
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pick up a membership leaflet at the visitors centre on a Cafe Day
Members receive two newsletters a year.
CONTACT US
For any queries, e-mail us at friendsofulleycountrypark@gmail.com or phone our Secretary, Paul Nash on 01709 370797.
Visit UlleyCountryPark on Facebook or @UlleyRanger on Twitter
To contact the Park Rangers, phone 01709 850353.
To contact Ulley Sailing Club visit their website www.ulleysailingclub.co.uk
HOW TO FIND THE PARK
Ulley Country Park is on the A618 Pleasley Road between Aughton and Whiston. Post Code is S26 3XL
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