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Churwell Water Nymph Unveiled

Churwell Park was a hive of activity on Sunday with the official presentation of the Water Nymph Sculpture. The unveiling was done by Steve Jones the Deputy Mayor of Morley who was accompanied by his wife Dinah, and there to witness its long awaited presence was Melanie Wilks, the sculptor of the piece.

Amongst some of the other attendees were Judith Elliott, Wenda Whitehead, Joyce Sanders, Josie Jackson, Gareth Beevers, Joe Tetley, Tom Leadley and Bob Gettings, (a veritable who’s who of local councillors.)

Churwell Park is beautiful now, but it hasn’t always been this way. Thanks to the hard work of Churwell Action Group who have toiled tirelessly in the background for the benefit of their community – local families and friends can now use its picturesque facilities. “It’s thanks to the hard work of the local people, Joyce Sanders and Wenda Whitehead that the place looks so delightful” said Steve Jones.

During the unveiling Joyce said that this was the second sculpture that Melanie had created because three years ago, she produced a mosaic, but unfortunately it was vandalised, so CCTV cameras have now been installed so that they can keep a watchful eye on its replacement and the visitors who come to take a stroll in the park.

The day’s events started with the unveiling of the statue and there was a tombola stall and children’s racing games for all to enjoy.  The bowling green was also celebrating its centenary and a plaque was unveiled by Steve Jones in commemoration.

Melanie Wilks, the Sculptor, said that whilst doing her research she discovered that there were natural springs in Churwell. Because of this she felt that a water nymph was the most relevant piece for the park. She has previously created three other pieces, including the Miner and Weaver outside the Town Hall, and more recently, the Ernie Wise figure on the precinct. She said that they were all hand carved out of local sandstone.

Another one of the pleasurable parts of the day was watching the community police officer producing balloon characters for the little ones. He said it was a way of chatting to them and making him approachable, which helped start up a positive relationship whilst they were little.

The day was a huge success with lots of local residents pouring into the park for fun and games. Even the sun made a welcome appearance as the day progressed. Here’s hoping that the park in all its glory will be enjoyed by families for another 100 years.

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