Thorpe Thriving on Community Spirit!

“Are we nearly there yet!” Diane Sellars & Amardeep Lall of Manning Stainton Morley branch join in the excitement with (l-r) Nathanial Monks, William Smales, Rachel Cook and Bobbi-Leigh Wilkinson.

27th September 2007

Sitting midway between Rothwell and Morley South of Leeds, the village of Thorpe is something of a forgotten area.

Pit closures and years of neglect have left the community with just one shop and very few amenities – yet the community spirit there is positively thriving. So where better to turn to for help with the residents’ annual outing than Morley estate agents, Manning Stainton’s Community Fund?

Rebecca Gray, Chair of the Thorpe Residents and Community Group, and who is a front counter receptionist for the Morley Observer group of newspapers says: -

“Manning Stainton immediately came forward with a very generous donation which enabled us to double the numbers going on the trip – this year to Scarborough…”

Eighty villagers of all ages thoroughly enjoyed the free trip and, says Rebecca, the community spirit is all the better for it: -

“Thorpe has had its share of problems over the years – particularly with young people moving into an area with absolutely no facilities, not even a play area or a set of swings, but everybody from small children to senior citizens look out for each other. It’s often remarked on by people new to Thorpe that the residents ‘will always do you a good turn, not a bad one’ and help from local businesses like Morley estate agents,  Manning Stainton can only strengthen those bonds.”

More events are being planned including another “fantastic” Christmas Fair.

Thorpe may not be awash with cash but it is thriving and, Rebecca comments, the days may soon be gone when Yorkshire Water had to phone a villager to ask where the place was as they couldn’t find it on their maps!