Talking to Bay Life (16 December), secretary of the new Friends of Pevensey Playgrounds , Shirley MacKinnon told us, “we were getting a new group started to help manage the playgrounds, apply for grants for equipment and also to run play events for children”.
She added,”we have now set the group up and have a constitution, and have been applying for funding. The aim is to try to get new and replacement equipment for the playgrounds and half pipe but also to run more play events in the school holidays.
The group points out that they had 4 successful events this year which were attended each time by over 30 children and their parents or grandparents, run by Community Stuff.
Community Stuff is a Sussex based CIC (not for profit company) who bring the community together with free fun activities, events, training and learning opportunities. On 9 December Community Stuff excitedly declared the news on their Facebook page. “at the Best of Sussex Awards yesterday we were the winner of Best Community Organisation!”.
The partnership with an award winning community based organisation is pointing the way to further sustainable success for the Friends of Pevensey Playgrounds.
Looking to the new year, Shirley explained, “the group already has quite a few members and 3 venues have offered to do fund raising for us. The first is at Priory Court on 15 January 2020 at their monthly quiz”.
Shirley told Bay Life that as well as having a constitution, the group, “also has a bank account and officers. I am Secretary, Jayne (Howard) is Chairperson and Sara Cheesley is our Treasurer. A local mum, Rachel Skuse has done the graphics for our poster.
In an article prepared for the Parish Pump Magazine, to be published in the New Year, the group gives a full sketch of their plan.
For publication in 2020
Parish Pump Magazine—Friends of Pevensey Playgrounds
A new Group has been set up with our local children and all their families in mind. We have two recreation grounds in the Parish of Pevensey and a small skate park area.
Further updating and replacement of some of the equipment is needed and applications to mainstream funding are underway.
The sites are owned and managed by Pevensey Parish Council, but their access to funding is limited. This new group will be able to seek funds and also be able to run its own fundraising events. The first of these was held in January and others are planned during the year.
The Group is also planning free, two hour play events for children during the school holidays, for which funding is being obtained. Four were held during 2019 and the aim is to hold one per week during all school holidays this year.
Dates and timing will be well advertised in social media and at schools.The events will be held at Wallsend Recreation Ground, where there are toilets available in the Sports Pavilion. In inclement weather, the events will be moved to an inside venue.
These events give children and families the chance to meet up and help reduce the isolation and loneliness that many can feel, particularly during the school holidays, when keeping children amused can be difficult. The Group can also help manage the running of the playgrounds by reporting concerns and helping to keep them tidy and litter free.
Becoming a member is easy and you do not need to do anything (unless you want to), other than to come to join in events and playdays.
Contact Shirley MacKinnon on 01323 461692 or at bobandshirleymac@outlook.com. to register your interest and a few details.
