17th September 2011
An action-packed day for youngsters at Maiden Newton marked the opening of their newly refurbished play area near the village hall.
After two years of fund-raising to collect the £7,000 needed for the work, parents were determined to make the day a big event.
Mickey Mouse was called in to cut the tape and meet the children, and parents added the Action Van bouncy castle, children’s games, stalls, face painting and a best dressed teddy contest.
It is two years since a special committee was set up to make the village’s run-down play area a safe and attractive area for local children to play.
“It has been hard work but the support we have received and the obvious pleasure of the kids with their new equipment makes it all worthwhile,” said committee chairman Helen North.
Most of the old equipment had to be removed because it didn’t meet stringent safety standards. The committee’s efforts were enough to provide a new slide, swings, climbing frame, see-saw, somersault bars and ride-on springer.
Grants from West Dorset District Council, Dorset County Council and the Community Project Fund helped, but the bulk of the money came from fund-raising events in Maiden Newton. A group of fathers cut the cost by installing the new equipment and safety surfaces themselves.
“We have benefited from the tremendous support throughout the community from local businesses and individuals,” said Mrs North.
Next Sunday, Maiden Newton Runners stage their annual three-mile fun run in aid of the play area fund.
[From the Dorset Echo 17-09-1996]