Wombles of Beverley – Chairman Talks About Success Of Local Voluntary Litter Picking Group

The Wombles of Beverley have certainly made an impact in Beverley in the short time they have been in existence.

From their humble beginnings with a handful of members, the group now has around 150 people picking discarded litter.

Chairman of the Wombles of Beverley, Paul Coe says while the group’s main role is to pick litter it has also help to build community spirit. He also adds that many of those involved have developed friendships with other members.

 Speaking to HU17.net about the Wombles of Beverley Paul said;

“One of the things I am asked most often is why did I start the group. The truth of the matter is the group was founded by Ronald Keuming  and Lance Sprue-Jarrett.”

“After going out picking litter with them I gained a passion for what they were doing. Since then I have sort of fallen into the role that I now have.”

“Currently I do not get out as much as I would like. That is because I have been working on making the Wombles of Beverley Constituted Community Group something that we officially completed as of 13 March.”

“This has been done because we feel we need to be more professional given the number of volunteers we now have. It also allows us to get support to help fund the equipment we use.”

With the growing numbers of volunteers, the results in terms of litter being picked are staggering. Just a few months into 2021 the group is averaging 122 bags of litter per week.

Wombles of Beverley Of Collected 1000s of Bags Of Discarded Rubbish

Paul said;

“In 2020 the Wombles of Beverley picked 1,122 bags of litter. Just a few weeks into 2021 we have picked 2,085 which equates to around 122 bags each week.”

“The numbers of bags has increased significantly as the group has grown and now includes members from the villages that surround Beverley.”

“There are of course litter hot spots. These tend to be the main roads like Minster Way and the A164 to the Humber Bridge. However, for us, it is difficult to tackle those areas as it dangerous.” 

Those volunteering for the Wombles of Beverley have found some very unusual things while out picking little. Paul says that their most interesting finds tend to come from laybys.

Their efforts in cleaning up the area do not go unnoticed by the public, Paul said;

“The public has been very supportive about what the group is doing. Beverley Town Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council both appreciate what we are doing.”

Group Is Helping People Build Friendships While Serving Community

“Sadly the amount of rubbish being dumped is not getting any better. But as we have a large group we are able to clear it up. We rarely see people littering so I think that most of the rubbish tends to be discarded at night.”

“For me, one of the biggest positives about the group is the sense of community. It really has brought people together, lots of people have joined and as such have developed relationships that will last a lifetime.”

“One of our elderly members lost their partner. For some time they had not really been out as they were caring for their partner. They joined the Wombles and by doing so have met people and built friendships.”

“I would also like to say a huge thank you to all our members as without them none of this would be possible.”

Anyone wanting to get involved or learn more should search Facebook for The Wombles of Beverley.