£1,000 gift funds four summer play days in Peasedown St John

Children living in Peasedown St John can look forward to four summer play days this Summer, thanks to the generosity of Peasedown Party in the Park and the village’s Parish Council.

The Wansdyke Play Association, who have been running children’s outside interactive ‘play rangers’ sessions for the past 15 years, have been awarded £1,000.

Peasedown St John Party in the Park, who run an annual Grant Fund to support community initiatives, gave the Play Rangers £500 in recognition of the positive impact they’re making on children’s lives.

Party in the Park Chairman, Nathan Hartley, said: “When we set up Party in the Park almost a decade ago we wanted to be able to use the funds we made on the day of the event to go towards village projects. In total, since 2010 we’ve now given away £10,000 to support a range of initiatives that would have struggled financially otherwise. Having seen the outstanding work of the Play Rangers on The Green in Frederick and Albert Avenues over many years, it was a popular decision that some of the 2017 Grant Fund would be allocated to them.”

The Parish Council provided the other £500, which was awarded as part of the annual Community Grants Scheme.

Cllr Mandy Clarke said: “We are really pleased to support these Play Days which provide some much-needed activity for children during the summer holidays”.

Summer Play Sessions will be held on The Green, Beacon Field and the Recreation Ground on the following days:

• Wednesday 26th July, 10.30am – 12.30pm, The Green (giant inflatables and sand modelling)
• Thursday 3rd August, 10.30am – 12.30pm, Beacon Field (team games, sports and arts)
• Thursday 17th August, 10.30am – 12.30pm, Recreation Ground (sports games, junk modelling and smoothies)
• Wednesday 30th August, 10.30am – 12.30pm, The Green (Den building, sports and games)

Stuart Rouse, Wansdyke Play Association project coordinator, added: “The Play Rangers have been providing play sessions for children in Peasedown for well over 10 years. We’ve built up strong, positive relationships with local families and know the community well. Our funding each year is often thanks to the generosity of charitable trusts and fund raising. We are grateful this year to Party in the Park and the Parish Council who are funding the play days.”

All sessions are free, and Wansdyke Play Association will be delivering information leaflets to homes on the village throughout July.

Pictured with Stuart Rouse, centre, are Party in the Park Committee Members Nathan Hartley and Karen Walker, along with Parish Councillors Mandy and Tex Clarke – who are the ‘link’ councillors for this parish council grant.