Revamped Whitminster play area unveiled

AN UPGRADED play area in Whitminster was officially opened on Saturday (28 May 2016).

Whitminster Village Hall & Playing Field Charity hosted a special celebratory event at the field on School Lane.

The fun included the crowing of a May King and May Queen, Whitminster’s “Happy Birthday” to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and the opening of the new play area.

The event also helped celebrate the Gloucestershire Playing Fields’ Association’s 90th Anniversary, and the association’s President and Lord Lieutenant of the County, Dame Janet Trotter DBE, was the Guest of Honour.

The field’s limited play equipment has been added to and improved as part of a £41,000 project led by the Whitminster Village Hall & Playing Field Charity.

New equipment, which is inclusive for children and young people of all ages and physical abilities, has been installed in the play area, and the tarmac surface by the playing field’s basketball hoop has been replaced.

Funding for the work has come from various sources including The Veolia Environmental Trust, who awarded a grant of £13,952 through the Landfill Communities Fund, Awards for All who awarded £10,000, Children’s Activity Fund who gave £2,000, Gloucestershire Playing Field Association who awarded £2,000 and Whitminster Sports Club who provided £1,000, with £2,300 coming from the charity’s own funds.

A group of mums who called themselves The Whitminster Fun Bags also worked with the community to raise in the region of £3,700.

The need for the project was identified from responses to a questionnaire in the parish plan of 2008 by the local community.

A pitch assessment carried out by the Gloucestershire Playing Field Association in 2014 also highlighted the poor range of equipment, the lack of inclusive play opportunities, concerns about the state of the safety surface and the lack of seating in the area.

The report concluded that the play area was ‘below average’.

Four community consultation events were subsequently carried out and members of the public were invited to give feedback and suggestions for the project.

Secretary of Whitminster Village Hall & Playing Field Charity, Honor Jones, says, “These new improvements to the play area on the playing field are already benefitting the whole community of Whitminster as well as the surrounding area, including local schools and sports clubs. We are delighted that work is complete and look forward to designing and completing future phases. The official opening on Saturday was a very special occasion and we would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who supported our project.”

The Executive Director of The Veolia Environmental Trust, Paul Taylor, adds, “This project will make a real difference to the lives of children and families in the area, encouraging active outdoor play and promoting social cohesion. I hope the upgraded play area is used and enjoyed for many years to come.”