PLAYING FIELD UPDATE – SEPTEMBER 2021

Results of the Playing Field Questionnaire that was circulated in the latter part of last year are now available to read on the website. We would like to thank  Suzanne Baines again for all her hard work in the design, compilation, distribution and collation of all the documentation and to all of you who responded.

The analysis of the questionnaire together with the annual ROSPA Safety Inspection Report will be discussed at our first Action Group meeting towards the end of September. Date and time to be confirmed. The outcome of these discussions and the priorities and future plans will be taken forward by the Trustees and dedicated Action Groups. Please do let us know if you would like to be involved. We are in the process of setting up a Trustees email address which we will put on the website very soon.

The Field
We would like to thank Russell and Dawn once again for gathering the hay from the field. We know that so many of you missed the field as it was and are aware that leaving the grass to grow curtailed your enjoyment and regular activities. We thank you for bearing with us over the last 18 months and with the decisions that we made as a result of the ongoing pandemic. Your feedback has been greatly appreciated and noted and we will ensure that regular mowing and maintenance of the field will be resuming as we go forwards.

We are however, planning to let the periphery of the field continue to re-wild as we know from your feedback that this gives pleasure to so many in the village as well as helping nature to flourish. The new saplings are growing well within this area too.

We would like to thank Karen and Richard Baines as they continue to do a stirling job as volunteers within the playing field especially in the wooded areas around the periphery of the field. They and their team have worked so hard in clearing away so much dead wood and debris and have now created a path through the trees and bushes leading from where the wood starts on the far right hand side of the field (just above where the play area is) and going forwards towards the entrances to Green Lane. Richard has also removed all the barbed wire on that side bordering onto Green Lane. Your support continues to be invaluable. To see the improvements and what the Playing Field looks like now we’ve taken a few photos. 

The Play Area
A second lorry load of bark was recently delivered and spread. Thank you Simon. Appropriate signage remains in place.

The Sue Lane Memorial Bench has been washed and treated and now sits on the concrete base by the play area.

The new bench on the opposite side of the field is proving very popular and being well used also.

Cricket Club
There have been no home games this summer. We are in the process of liaising with representatives of the club to clarify their future plans.

Cricket Pavillion
We are aware that the existing cricket pavilion is no longer suitable or fit for purpose. Discussions are to take place to determine what actions are required now and in the future.

Bird Boxes
We have received a donation for bird boxes with the stipulation that they are made locally. Ideas welcome.

Football Pitch
Thanks goes to Mitch Pilkington for mowing the football field earlier in the summer. New football nets are due to be ordered shortly as the existing nets are shredded and torn.

Petanque
Peter Richards is taking this forward and was very much enthused by the interest expressed via the questionnaires. The area itself is now weed free due to the hard work of members of the group.

Dog Poo Bins
These are proving very popular and we endeavour to empty them regularly.

Mariane and Ruth enjoyed meeting with the High Sheriff David Wood and his wife Jeffy on their recent visit to the village. We enjoyed our stroll around the field together and the mutual exchange of information was most appreciated.

You will have noticed from time to time we have taken the decision to lock the main gate to the field following the advice of our local police when there has been an increased risk of unauthorised groups driving in and gathering illegally on green spaces in our locality. Thank you for your understanding. Thankfully we have the small gate just a little further down the road.

Thank you all for your ongoing support. It is greatly welcomed and appreciated.

Ridlington Playing Field Trustees

 

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