A MASSIVE community response greeted an appeal to help renovate a dilapidated property in Oakworth’s Holden Park.

Following a call for help broadcast by community development worker Pip Gibson, volunteers rallied round to make the ongoing project a success.

Ms Gibson said: “The project has got off to a flying start with an incredible amount of support pouring in from tradesmen, businesses and volunteers.

“Special acknowledgement goes to aeroplane engineer Ben Emmott for working all his spare time to fit the kitchen, windows and door.”

Ms Gibson has been working with Roger Laird, Andrew Wiseman and Jackie McGinnis at Friends of Holden Park to renovate the building.

Mr Wiseman said: “We’ve wanted to improve the bowling club facilities for quite some time.

“We’ve had several plans and a couple of unsuccessful funding applications but have been completely overwhelmed by the level of local support for the current initiative.

“We’d like to thank everyone who has given their time or donated materials.”

Supporters include Oakworth firm JJ Electric Services, which donated £200 to fund new plasterboards and plaster for one of the building’s ceilings.

Wildgoose Construction donated a new door and windows.

Mark Winstanley, construction director at Wildgoose, said: “Contributing to the local community is extremely important to us and we’re delighted to be able to donate a new UPVC door and two windows.

“As we’re already working in Keighley we were keen to support a project which will benefit visitors to Holden Park for many years to come.”

Keighley’s Fresh Waters Christian charity shop provided kitchen units, while Bradford Council’s Parks and Landscapes Service offered guidance and removed waste materials.

Mel Smith, from the council, said: “Bradford Council tries wherever possible to assist all community groups. We were happy to help the bowling club improve their facilities.”

Oakworth Bowling Club gave £150 towards the cost of the refurbishment, while Keighley’s C&L Herd Butchers and Oakworth’s Co-op donated food and hot drinks to volunteers working on the building.

Ms Gibson added: “Bradford Community Repaint donated lots of paint, and there have been many other people who’ve helped.

“A team of over 15 people helped clear the clubhouse room of its contents and rip up the old carpet.

“Plasterer Lee Kay put new boards up and re-plastered the ceiling. Lee was helped by Mike Howell and Roger Laird, both Oakworth volunteers.

“William Bridge helped with the electrics and carried out more plastering, while Garry Dent fitted a new water heater.

“Mandy Speddo supplied cheaper building materials and Bev Brackenridge donated a sink worktop and taps.

“Dave Duffy at Springfield Carpets has given a hardwearing carpet for the clubhouse and Phil Kenrick, a local carpet fitter, donated his time to fit it.

“Super Ceramics provided tiles for the kitchen area.”

People willing to get involved with the renovation can contact Ms Gibson on 07587 210101 or e-mail pipgibsoncdw@hotmail.co.uk

She said the project is now looking for blinds, furniture, kitchen equipment, a First Aid kit and photo frames.