Press Release for Ingleby Villages Recreation Area Opening Event - 11th September 2010
On Saturday 11th September, Ingleby Villagers and friends will celebrate the Official Opening of a Community Recreation Area. Generations of children have grown up in the village, with no safe, dedicated playing space, and cut off from neighbouring villages by the A19 and A172. Thanks to the support of the Parish Council and the tireless efforts of a small team of committed and enthusiastic villagers, a wonderful project has now evolved. The use of a field was offered by Sir John and Lady Venetia Bell, and a small grant from the York and North Yorkshire Community Foundation enabled the preliminaries to begin. Hambleton District Council helped with the clearing of the footpath and putting in fencing and hedging. Their Community Link Officer and his team gave much encouragement and advice.
Ruth Eastham designed a layout to create a wonderful space for imaginative play, even without the addition of swings and climbing frames. Preparatory work started in 2009 and soft landscaping was added in early spring this year. Willow dens, native trees and shrubs were planted and wooden benches made. A wildflower meadow with cycle tracks running through it is growing well and a set of goalposts is in place. The children were consulted from the very beginning about what they would like to see in their play area. Funding was sought to buy items for two main age groups – the under eights and the eight to thirteen year olds. A successful bid to the Big Lottery Awards for All and to the Playbuilder scheme allowed the inclusion of some more traditional equipment to complete the Recreation Area. The community area is designed to allow future changes if and when more money becomes available. An all-weather pitch and a tennis court remain just a dream, but the Ingleby Villages Recreation Area committee can feel very proud of their achievement to date.
At 2pm the Opening Ceremony will be performed by Sir John Bell, followed by a Sports Afternoon with races for all ages, and activities for the children. The day will be especially poignant for one family, whose teenage son was committed to help provide a Play Area in his village. Tragically, Andrew Phillips died before work on the field could begin, and a plaque will be placed there in his memory.
On Saturday 11th September, Ingleby Villagers and friends will celebrate the Official Opening of a Community Recreation Area. Generations of children have grown up in the village, with no safe, dedicated playing space, and cut off from neighbouring villages by the A19 and A172. Thanks to the support of the Parish Council and the tireless efforts of a small team of committed and enthusiastic villagers, a wonderful project has now evolved. The use of a field was offered by Sir John and Lady Venetia Bell, and a small grant from the York and North Yorkshire Community Foundation enabled the preliminaries to begin. Hambleton District Council helped with the clearing of the footpath and putting in fencing and hedging. Their Community Link Officer and his team gave much encouragement and advice.
Ruth Eastham designed a layout to create a wonderful space for imaginative play, even without the addition of swings and climbing frames. Preparatory work started in 2009 and soft landscaping was added in early spring this year. Willow dens, native trees and shrubs were planted and wooden benches made. A wildflower meadow with cycle tracks running through it is growing well and a set of goalposts is in place. The children were consulted from the very beginning about what they would like to see in their play area. Funding was sought to buy items for two main age groups – the under eights and the eight to thirteen year olds. A successful bid to the Big Lottery Awards for All and to the Playbuilder scheme allowed the inclusion of some more traditional equipment to complete the Recreation Area. The community area is designed to allow future changes if and when more money becomes available. An all-weather pitch and a tennis court remain just a dream, but the Ingleby Villages Recreation Area committee can feel very proud of their achievement to date.
At 2pm the Opening Ceremony will be performed by Sir John Bell, followed by a Sports Afternoon with races for all ages, and activities for the children. The day will be especially poignant for one family, whose teenage son was committed to help provide a Play Area in his village. Tragically, Andrew Phillips died before work on the field could begin, and a plaque will be placed there in his memory.