Due to the uncertainty of the ongoing pandemic, the government regulations and inability to fundraise, the Trustees of the playing field took the responsible decision at the beginning of the year to allow the grass to grow as we did last year with the gathering of hay towards the end of July. We are fortunate in being able to ensure regular mowing of the paths through the field and around the play area. We would appreciate your views as to the way forward regarding the grass cutting of the field and would like to thank you all for your ongoing support and understanding especially during these extraordinary times we are living through. We are planning to have the grass cut on the top 5-a-side football pitch very soon

For the current government guidelines to be followed when using the Children’s Play Area as it is now open, please go to: https://www.nalc.gov.uk/library/news-stories/covid19/3292-bhib-councils-insurance-guidance-for-local-councils-reopening-playgrounds/file

The Trustees endeavour to spend any monies received by the charity wisely including the money received from the government last year knowing that this fund may need to keep the upkeep and maintenance of the playing field and play area going for some time yet. The annual financial outgoings include the water rates for the cricket pavilion, the annual safety inspection report and the insurance for the playing field and play area as well as the grass cutting and maintenance of surrounds and necessary signage. The Treasurer’s report will be accompanying the annual report on the website shortly.

Items recently purchased as required by our inspection report include two new bucket seats for the toddler’s swings, cricket nets, two new slab bases for the benches, two lorry loads of bark for the play area and gentle pigeon spikes to dissuade the pigeons from sitting on the top rails and contaminating the swings!

More saplings offered to us from ‘The Woodland Trust’ have been planted adding to the ones that are doing well from last year.

Commemorative solid brass pet plaques for the new bench can be ordered for you from the trustees for £20.00.  All proceeds to go to The Ridlington Playing Field Charity.

Our next Trustees meeting is on 14th July and we are always open to suggestions as to what you would like, any help you can give, or any issues you would like to raise.

Thank you.

Ruth (Lees) on behalf of The Trustees of Ridlington Playing Field.
Email:  ruthlees123@aol.com or drop a note in to Post Cottage, 5, Top Road, Ridlington
Tel 01572 821440