Delta Park’s most diligent volunteer says goodbye
Delta Environmental Centre's residential manager and community members have nothing but praise for Tebbutt's work in the park.
Delta Park is losing someone who has undoubtedly been its most passionate volunteer and hardest worker for more than four decades.
Whether removing hyacinth by hand year after year in the park, organising the removal of invasive vegetation, pioneering projects to repair or upgrade bridges and other facilities and drumming up support from the community to invest in the park, leader of the Delta Park Users Group and author of its regular newsletter, Shirley Tebbutt has been the face of just about every project to improve the park.
Some have said she had done more for the park than the municipality ever did, though she was never paid for her work.
Now, Tebbutt has decided it is time to stop her involvement in Delta Park.
“This is a role I’ve always felt passionately about and seeing all our projects come to fruition over the years has given me so much joy,” she said.
“It had always been my plan to begin handing over to someone next year on my 80th birthday, but my decision has been hastened by a devastating colon cancer diagnosis followed by surgery a few weeks ago. I will now be undergoing months of chemotherapy and I just won’t be able to continue managing my three workers or all the projects.”
She said she was worried about the workers, who she said were so enthusiastic, about finding themselves without jobs or support.
Hence, she has asked members of the community to step in to oversee their work on several projects.
“That only leaves to me thank all of you for your support, donations and wonderful messages. When photos are on Facebook on the latest finished project, I so enjoyed reading them.”
Delta Environmental Centre residential manager Geoff Lockwood said Tebbutt would be very difficult to replace and park users owed her a huge debt of gratitude.
“She has been a feature of the park for more than 40 years,” he said.
“In life, you get a lot of people who see what is wrong but do nothing. Shirley is one of those who step up and get the job done.”
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo spokesperson Jenny Moodley said they were grateful for Tebbutt’s work.
“Over time, through her dedication, we have seen the magnificent transformation of the park and the improvement of the amenities,” Moodley said.
“Under Shirley’s watch, Delta Park has become a sought-after haven for residents seeking refuge away from the bustle of city life. Now more than ever, Joburg needs green champions and volunteers to nurture and foster healthy living in our cities.”
She wished Tebbutt a speedy recovery and the best in her new journey.
“You have played your part in making Joburg a better place for so many with so little. We thank you on behalf of residents and the birds and the bees.”
Tebbutt’s post of farewell on the Delta Park Facebook group received 81 comments, 41 shares and 296 likes and reactions.
“Shirley, I am so sorry to hear your news and I wish you strength and fortitude for your battle ahead,” commented Sarah Smith.
“Thank you for everything you and your compatriots have done for so many years to deliver a public space that is so beautiful and so loved by so many. I sincerely hope that another passionate person or group steps up to try to fill your shoes.”
Busisiwe Ncube Kanyika commented, “You have maintained and transformed our park. Truly admire all that you have done so diligently. I pray that strength, healing and peace at all levels be your portion.”
Roz Campbell Pelletier commented, “So sorry to hear this news. You are an amazing woman and with your positive mind and motivation, you will beat this illness. Thank you so much for the incredible work you and your helpers have done in Delta.”
Details: Shirley Tebbutt etebbutt@worldonline.co.za
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