What is being replaced
The multi-play unit is the well-loved and much-used castle-like structure with its ramp, slide and boarding ladder - but it will soon need to be replaced.
Since it was erected 25? years ago it has been loved by several generations and must have given many hundreds (and possibly thousands) of children and their parents so much enjoyment.
Why we need to replace it
The Parish Council is responsible for the upkeep of the play equipment and is required to employ the services of authorised external inspectors to report on any safety issues that may arise in the future.
Each year issues with the condition of the multi-play unit are brought to the attention of the Parish Council and each year the cost of remedying these issues mount up. In 2021 the Parish Council received forewarning that issues with the multi-play unit would require reconstruction of major parts with specialist and obsolete components that would have to be custom-crafted.
Also, the safety standards of 2022 are somewhat more stringent than they were when the multi-play unit was originally constructed.
The Playing Field Working Group proposed that it was time to cut its losses and invest in a unit constructed from more durable and modern and safe components. The Parish Council decided to approve this proposal, and sought a compatible unit from various manufacturers.
What we are replacing it with
After comparing products from a range of manufacturers and seeking input from play ground users, the working group identified this unit: the Galahad Castle unit from Wicksteed, a manufacturer who have made durable play equipment for many decades - indeed, the big swings are made by Wicksteed.
The Galahad multi play unit includes a steel slide, fireman’s pole, net climber and much more.”
How much will it cost?
The Parish Council has been quoted ÂŁ13,000 for the purchase and installation of the multi-play unit.
Where are we getting the money from?
The Parish Council has been setting aside some part of its annual precept for a couple of years in anticipation of such an event, and has also received generous donations from the St Mary’s Week and £600 from the entrance fees from the Open Gardens in the Summer of 2021.
ÂŁ3,000 is currently in the replacement fund and the Parish Council is now actively seeking grants from National, County and Private sources and asking for suggestions and activities in the Bradford Abbas community to raise the balance.
How does this tie into the Queen’s Jubilee?
The metal “E II R” climbing frame was erected to mark the Queen’s Silver Jubilee and it seems very fitting that the community should mark her Platinum Jubilee in 2022 with the erection of the new multi-play unit.
The Parish Council’s target is to raise the money by June 2022 and commission the installation as soon as possible thereafter.
Do you have any suggestions?
Is there any (fund-raising) event that you can think of that would be both fun and raise a few pounds for the new equipment? You’d be surprised just how effective your efforts could be.
We were delighted to have raised ÂŁ600 from entrance fees to the 19 Open Gardens last Summer, on a day that we all remember standing outside in the pouring rain but enjoying ourselves nevertheless!
So, if there’s anything you’d like to say about this, don’t hesitate to use the contact form here to send the Parish Council Playing Field Working Group a message.