Friends of St James’ Park was formed by a group of residents in 2006, with the aim of improving and maintaining the area of open green space in Shirley.

Since 2018, the group has been a registered charity and gone beyond work in the park – helping those in need with the likes of furthering IT skills and being a support base for people who are isolated.

However, since 2012 a small group of volunteers have become St James’ Park’s gardening team, helping Southampton City Council to maintain the land, as well as planting an array of flowers that will attract wildlife to the area.

For two hours every Wednesday – Victor, Joan, Bruce, Mike, and Lizzy – give up their time in all weathers to plant, prune, and litter pick, before sitting down on the decking to enjoy a well-deserved cup of tea, with each session documented by former BBC photographer, Bruce Larner.

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Daily Echo:

The gardeners have become so well-known within the community that dog walkers will stop and chat, and on rare occasions they’re even brought biscuits from families playing in the park.

Hilde Gronsberg, 43, community volunteer coordinator for Friends of St James’ Park, told the Echo the volunteers play ‘a vital role’ in the upkeep of the park.

She said: “The local community rely on them.

“People come from all over to use the park – particularly from Upper Shirley and Shirley Towers – and members of the public often congratulate them on their work which is really nice to see.”

The group has been awarded the prestigious Green Flag award for 12 years in a row, with the scheme recognising well managed parks and green spaces across the United Kingdom.

“They’re just so enthusiastic about what they do,” said Hilde.

She added: “Everybody has been keen to put the time in, and in recent years the park has become a real hub for everyone in the area so it’s great to see the rewards from that.”

Next Saturday – March 16 – the gardening team will be holding an open day alongside the charity’s events team.

Residents are encouraged to pop down to the park, get chatting, and enjoy the refreshments on offer, as well as make any recommendations for St James’ Park going forward.