An inspirational couple who have dedicated the past 12 years to maintaining the Botanic Gardens as “a jewel in the crown for Churchtown” have been honoured at the 2024 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards.
David and Ann Cobham, both 81 years old, were awarded the Community Impact Award, sponsored by Carlsberg.
After the Botanic Gardens in Churchtown lost their team of gardeners over a decade ago, David and Ann stepped up to volunteer their time and expertise.
They have led the Botanic Gardens Community Association, recruiting and supervising a determined team of volunteers to not only maintain the historic park, which were officially opened in 1875 by Reverend Charles Hesketh, but to improve it.
They have transformed the Fernery; reopened the public toilets; planted many thousands of plants and flowers; restored the Aviary; sourced donations from local businesses; worked along the team from Green Sefton; and organised fun days for local families.
For years they have spent their time, day by day, in rain, hail and shine, volunteering their time to make the park a place for people of all ages to enjoy.
They even did so during the Covid pandemic, when the peace, beauty and tranquillity of the Botanic Gardens was a Godsend for people who had endured lockdown.
Despite suffering from a broken leg and knee while at the Gardens, Ann was determined to attend the Awards along with husband, David.
David and Ann Cobham were awarded the Community Impact Award, sponsored by Carlsberg, at the 2024 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards. Photo by Kevin Brown Photography
They received dozens of nominations.
David Cobham said: “Ann and I would like to thank everyone all for their congratulations and also to all the many people who we believe nominated us for this award.
“Our Botanic Gardens Community Association volunteers for over 12 years now are a vital team and obviously we couldn’t achieve anything without them and we never stop thanking them.
“Likewise our sponsors and donors who trust us to spend wisely on the park alone.
“It just highlights how much everyone values the Botanic Gardens and wishes it to thrive.
“From the general public to David Rawsthorne and Jess Rickers and the Make A Change For Botanic fundraisers, and Stand Up For Southport, we salute you.
“We are all in it together.”
Volunteers at the Fernery at the Botanic Gardens in Churchtown in Southport including Ann Cobham (third left)
Among local people nominating the couple was Gladys Armstrong,
She said: “For almost 13 years regardless of the weather they and their team of volunteers have armed themselves with plants, spades, brushes, bin-bags, etc., and spent every Monday and Wednesday mornings (plus other times as and when required) to ensure that the people of Southport (and visitors) can enjoy the park that is the jewel in Sefton’s Crown – the Botanic Gardens in Churchtown.”
Carol Upton said: “David and Ann Cobham devote a huge amount of time and effort to keep the Botanic Gardens in Southport looking beautiful.
“They work extremely hard and it is always a pleasure to walk round the Gardens thanks to all their hard work.”
Rachel Pedder said: “These two amazing people who have worked tirelessly to keep the heart of Southport up to its fantastic condition…. Botanic Gardens.
“Any Southport resident would be familiar with this park. I myself as a child and now my own children and upon visiting only yesterday love to see the hard work they do keeping the park so well and all the hard work with the many fundraisers. It is muchly appreciated as this park really is the gem of Southport and has a long history that goes hand in hand with the town’s Victorian historical background.”
David and Ann Cobham were awarded the Community Impact Award, sponsored by Carlsberg, at the 2024 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards. Photo by Kevin Brown Photography
Kath Law said: “David and Ann Conham deserve an award for their continued hard work for over 12 years in Botanic Gardens.
“They have been working mostly seven days a week in the park maintaining flower beds, restoring the Fernery, renovating the toilets, continued support of the aviary, general painting and repairs to park furniture and fittings, endless tasks of paperwork, planning, meetings and bureaucracy.
“The list is endless and no-one knows just how much work they really do.”
Sandra McGrail said: “They work tirelessly to keep Botanic Gardens looking beautiful with flower bed displays, hanging baskets etc. They keep everywhere clean and tidy, even the toilets.
“Without all their hard work the park would not be like it is.
“They also look after the Fernery which is fabulous.
David and Ann Cobham were awarded the Community Impact Award, sponsored by Carlsberg, at the 2024 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards. Photo by Kevin Brown Photography
“They are both in their 80s and devote so much of their time to Botanic Gardens they even look after the swans and birds on the lake.
“They are so caring and they both deserve this award.”
The 2024 Pride Of Sefton Awards saw 13 categories on the night, with incredible stories behind all the finalists.
There were over 1,300 nominations for community figures from Southport, Bootle, Crosby, Formby, Maghull and across Sefton.
The Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards were organised by Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group and Stand Up For Southport in association with media partners In Demand Radio.
David and Ann Cobham were awarded the Community Impact Award, sponsored by Carlsberg, at the 2024 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards. Photo by Kevin Brown Photography
The night was hosted by In demand Radio presenter Claire Simmo, with entertainment from Whitney Houston tribute performer Michelle Lawson, soul singer Dave Broe and DJ Baz Todd.
As Sefton celebrates its 50th birthday, VIP guests attending the awards included Sefton Council Leader Cllr Marion Atkinson; Mayor of Sefton Cllr June Burns; and council Chief Executive Phil Porter.
Pictures on the night were taken by Kevin Brown Photography with videography by Zack Downey from ZED Productions.
Fundraising took place on the night with proceeds going to the ICU Steps, the intensive care patient support charity.
- For more details about the Pride Of Sefton Awards please visit: www.prideofseftonawards.co.uk or email: standupforsouthport@gmail.com
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com
