TWO of Southampton's first junior neighbourhood wardens have been reunited with the scheme's organiser, two decades after it was launched.
Families flocked to Mansel Park in Millbrook yesterday as the Lord Mayor of Southampton opened an event marking 20 years of the scheme.
Over that time, 6,000 children signed up to improve their community – helping to clean-up the city by taking part in the likes of litter picking activities and assisting those in need.
Annette Williams, 54, helped run the scheme for 10 years from its inception in 2003 and she told the Echo: “I couldn’t have imagined 20 years ago that we’d be here in this park celebrating a scheme that continues to go strong to this day.
“We literally started right here in Mansel Park, we only had a few children then, but we were picking up litter and dog mess, we literally cleaned the whole park.
“To have gone from that to this, with all these people is incredible.”
Annette was reunited with brothers Jack, 24, and Jamie Delaney, 23, who spent almost seven years volunteering and became the group’s first junior warden leaders.
READ MORE: Southampton cannabis factory to become cafe, shop and bar
The Lord Mayor of Southampton officially opening the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Junior Neighbourhood Wardens scheme in Mansel Park. @dailyecho pic.twitter.com/6IB4QD8Kyb
— Matt Davey (@MattDaveyJourno) August 8, 2023
“They just didn’t want to leave”, said Annette.
Jack added: “We were wondering if Annette was going to be here, so we’re delighted.
“It’s a huge privilege to be a small part of this. A lot of what you learn as junior wardens sets you up for the rest of your life.
“I have a family of my own now and I’m always quick to remind my children not to drop litter and am picking it up after them, telling them it needs to go in the bin!”
Younger brother Jamie added: “We were surprised to see the scheme’s still going, it’s bringing back a lot of fond memories.”
The scheme was also relaunched yesterday with a special new membership card, which comes with lots of benefits thanks to Active Nation.
New members will receive their card when they attend their first event.
Ian Mitchell, 52, took over the running of the scheme from Annette in 2013.
He told the Echo: “It’s brilliant that so many people have come along today, hopefully we’ll see some people sign up.
“Eighteen of these schemes opened across the country in 2003 and we’re the only ones still going, so it’s something to be proud of.”
Since 2003, the Junior Neighbourhood Wardens have taken part in hundreds of litter picks and community gardening projects; raised thousands of pounds for local charities such as Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance and Second Chance Animal Rescue.
They also created community artwork, including a large mural at Bentley Green, Harefield, won a community award from the police for community partnership working and have gone on to work for the police and armed forces, and as carers, nurses, and Neighbourhood Wardens.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here