Party in our Park

We enjoyed a very successful day of celebration for the formal reopening of our playground on Sunday 17th July. More than 300 residents of Staveley including many children joined a parade from the Mill Yard to the Playground led by Shelley Barlow and The Staveley Samba Band.

Robert Perkins (Deputy Chair) welcomed Precious McKenzie OBE as his guest of honour and gave a short speech to thank the 96 major donors and the whole community for supporting the £125,000 campaign to renew and enhance the playground.

Robert invited Precious McKenzie OBE to unveil a plaque listing all of the major sponsors and then asked Ava Bottomley and Henry Blackburn, Staveley Primary School pupils to jointly cut the ribbon and officially declare the playground open.

More The Artisan Bakery, Haytons Butchers, Asda & Tesco had together donated bread rolls, sausages, beef burgers, soft drinks, crisps and fruit to allow all pupils at Staveley School to receive a commemorative free lunch.

The Ayland had many stalls for residents to enjoy during the afternoon including Danny Woof Woodturning, Ashlea’s Bakes, Jam Chowder, Balloons by Fine & Dandy’s , Usborne books by Jadey, Jane’s Treats, Kimi’s Gelato, Staveley Primary School, Staveley Cubs, Scouts & Brownies. Staveley 100s Club, Laurie Corkish Organist, Staveley Allotments, Staveley Playgroup, Staveley United Football Club, Staveley Community Plan, Staveley Pumptrack Team and Staveley WI.

There are some additional playground improvements that will be completed after the school holidays. We await Planning Permission from LDNPA for the proposed upgrades to the Pavilion.

Staveley Village Association has not yet received an update from the Parish Council on the introduction of a 20 MPH speed limit and a pedestrian crossing to improve the safe access to the new playground.

Robert Perkins