Wicksteed Park trends on Twitter as Rev Richard Coles lends his support

There was a big reaction to last night's news
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Wicksteed Park was trending on Twitter last night as the public came out in force to support the business.

The park confirmed yesterday (Monday, June 15) that Wicksteed Park Limited, the company that runs the park, has gone into administration. The land is owned separately by Wicksteed Charitable Trust which is appealing for public donation and backing a new company formed by a small number of employees.

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The news was met with a huge reaction and 'Wicksteed Park' was in the top 20 trends on Twitter because so many people were sharing their shock, sadness and support for the park.

Among those pledging to help Kettering's famous park was local vicar and celebrity Reverend Richard Coles.

Rev Coles shared the Northants Telegraph's story and said: "Right! The battle is on to SAVE WICKIES!"

The vicar of Finedon also shared a photo of the park's water chute ride and said: "Wicksteed Park has gone into administration. It was the pleasure dome of my childhood, and for tens of thousands of Cytringans. A sad, sad day."

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Locals trying to secure some big-name support were tweeting the likes of Piers Morgan, Lord Alan Sugar and even prime minister Boris Johnson.

Kay Medway shared this photo and said she has lots of family memories of visiting Wicksteed ParkKay Medway shared this photo and said she has lots of family memories of visiting Wicksteed Park
Kay Medway shared this photo and said she has lots of family memories of visiting Wicksteed Park

People have been trying to contact Kettering-born comedian James Acaster, whose love for Wicksteed is well known.

When James appeared on a celebrity version of The Great British Bake Off, his final showstopper cake was a tribute to Wickys.James no longer has a personal Twitter account but people have been attempting to contact him through the profile for his podcast, Off Menu.

Other support on Twitter came from Kettering Parkrun, a weekly 5km run which takes part in Wicksteed, said: "Very sad news - please consider donating to Wicksteed Park’s Appeal. Let’s work together to help this precious community asset and home of Kettering Parkrun and Kettering junior Parkrun."

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An account named 'Save Wicksteed Park' has been set up and has been sharing peoples' tweets in support of the park.

The Save Wicksteed Park account also noted that its not just people the benefit from Wicksteed's open spaces and said: "Wicksteed is home to a spectacular array of wildlife. The resident peacock, the energetic kingfisher, the proud swans. Let's keep this their home!"

Many people have also been sharing their memories of Wicksteed and their sadness at the news, just like readers on Facebook.

Stuart Linnell MBE, a broadcaster, said: "Like many others, my childhood included many great family days at Wicksteed Park with my mum, dad, sister and my godmother and her folks. Sad news."

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Kay Medway shared a photo of a visit to Wicksteed with her great-grandmother Clara Jacobs and her cousin Jennie when she was a child in 1997 and said: "Wicksteed Park has gone into administration. I have so many family memories of visiting Wicksteed Park during the summer.

"We even went there for the Youth Ambition Awards after I had nominated my sister for awards."

Dorinda Balchin said: "My school was opposite Wicksteed park and I have many happy memories going back over half a century.

"I even working in the ice cream parlour as a teenager and my grandson loves the place."

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Katie said: "Anyone who has ever lived in Northamptonshire knows how much of a treasure Wicksteed Park is, we can't let it disappear."

Wicksteed has long attracted people from afar and Phil Jones remembers visiting from Hertfordshire as a child and said it was probably a cheaper option than Thorpe Park.

He said: "Genuinely very sad to see Wicksteed go - despite the time the attendant went to lunch while we were on the swinging boats."

Phil added he had to wait until the next person came on shift to stop the ride, but aside from that he said: "All fond memories!"

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