Taking pride in your local community is something we care deeply about, and the litter pickers of Hawkinge undeniably share this sentiment; returning each month to keep our streets as clean as possible.
Volunteer Hawkinge litter pickers, organised by Cllr David Godfrey, tackle the litter strewn across our streets, parks, and alleyways every 3rd Saturday of the month at 10am and it’s simple to get involved.
We caught up with Cllr David Godfrey, who’s been living in Hawkinge since 2002 and organises the litter picks which meet at Hawkinge Community Centre, to find out a little bit more about the selfless group of volunteers and the difference they make to our local community.
David, who first got involved in local politics in 2011, took over the litter-picking reins from Cllr Susan Carey who was keen on keeping the district as clean as possible, encouraging litter-picking groups and providing some much-needed funding to support these groups to provide pickers, bags and hi-vis jackets.
David took the role a step further locally by embroidering the hi-vis jackets with ‘Keep Hawkinge Clean’ on the back, hoping to instil a further sense of pride in the local area. Regular litter pickers are trusted to take some of the equipment home and litter-pick at their discretion.
On average, David told us around 15-20 volunteers turn up to help with the monthly litter picks, and even in the pouring rain they managed to rustle up over a dozen volunteers; happy to be soaked to ensure the village is that bit cleaner.
Although the last year caused a number of litter-picks to be cancelled, with the ‘reopening’ of the world on the horizon, sessions can return to their normal monthly scheduling. For those who are unfamiliar with Hawkinge’s litter picks, it’s not just about tackling litter, it’s also an opportunity to socialise with like-minded people and have a natter with a new chum.
David explained: “Not only do people get together socially with people they haven’t met before; they are also doing something positive for the community which is great.”
“We have area officers, and these are a team of people who go out and assist with litter picks and trouble areas all over the district, they provide assistance wherever it’s required. To get hold of these officers and seek help, people should go through their ward councillor.
“Our sessions usually last around an hour or an hour and a half, and after we offer people some coffee, tea and a piece of cake and a soft drink for the kids in the community centre.
“We all gather around the van with the gear in at the community centre, we spend some time just chatting beforehand, make sure we get a group photo and off we go.”