If you like a kick about in the playing field then you’ll welcome the recently-erected posts.
The Parish Council - in response to requests by several parishioners - replaced the old ones which were an odd size and had become quite wonky over time.
Multi-play unit
The new multi-play unit is on order with the manufacturers but they haven’t given us an exact date when in will be delivered
The old multi-play unit was the well-loved and much-used castle-like structure with its ramp, slide and boarding ladder - but it needed to be replaced as the annual inspection conducted by external examiners revealed rot together with several other faults that meant that it would no longer be economical to keep up repairs
Since it was erected 25 or so years ago it has been loved by several generations and must have given many hundreds (and possibly thousands) of children and their parents 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 £13,000 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.
The Parish Council has been successful in its submission for National Lottery Community Funding and now, together with amazing contributions from the local community, we have almost enough to purchase the new multi-play unit, additional picnic tables, and football goal posts.
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.
Can you help?
The Playing Field Working Group keeps an eye on the playing field by giving it regular inspections and commissions repairs and upgrades to its equipment..
Would you be able to volunteer a few minutes of your time on a regular basis and be one of our wonderful team of volunteers who regularly keep an eye on the field and keep it free of litter?
If so, or I if there’s anything you’d like to say about the playing field, then don’t hesitate to use the contact form here to send the Parish Council Playing Field Working Group a message.