an important contributor to its success — he was an assiduous networker and good friend, who maintained excellent relationships and developed key partnerships with the private sector. So looking back from a perspective of nearly 30 years, how do I see Groundwork now? It broke the mould, it was innovative and developed projects and partnerships in new ways. In particular, it pioneered the involvement of the private sector in regeneration and encouraged the community to support local schemes such as tree planting, land clearance and volunteer wardening. It was the ‘Big Society’ in action before it was invented. It challenged preconceptions about the dominant role of the public sector in undertaking environmental improvements and opened the door to a wide range of participants and funders. Despite the successes, the problem of long term ‘core’ funding remains an issue and whilst the model was right for the 1980s and 90s it may be that new approaches are needed, now that public funds are so limited. However, I remain a supporter and enthusiast and recognise the huge contribution made by John Davidson in developing the idea and providing the leadership at the right time and when it was needed most. Salford and Trafford are very different places now, as is Manchester City Centre. Whilst some might be critical of the regeneration — it is a fact — the docks are now the Quays, employing many thousands, the water is clean, Trafford Park is brimming with businesses, the City Centre is humming with people and Salford is now the home of BBC North and mentioned every day on the airwaves. Derelict land has been reclaimed, the city has been greened, private and voluntary sector involvement recognised and celebrated. The Salford and Trafford Groundwork Trust played a key role in these regeneration programmes and can rightly claim to have made an important contribution to their success.
4 First steps
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