PLAY project (Playground for Litton's Active Youth) in Buxton, opens its doors.
Julie Nash, local mum involved in the P.L.A.Y project, has written in to share how their launch event went over the weekend. Julie’s becoming a bit of a regular blogger for us as she wrote to us to give us a progress update back in February – it’s so exciting to see the finished product!
Julie writes:
“After three years of hard work and labour it was fantastic to see the first child go down that slide at the grand opening of the Litton Playground & Sensory Garden. The project, which was primarily funded through Community Spaces, has seen a group of local mum’s come together to create a universal space for play, relaxation, stimulation and interaction.
We groaned with frustration on the morning of the launch when we opened our doors to rain, rain and more rain forecast. We had organised a hog roast, bbq, champagne launch and drinks - we were not about to be put off by getting a bit damp! Our hog-roast guys (Trotters Independent Caterers from Eyam!) were there at 5am, setting up their roasting equipment, closely followed at 7am by us, with cups of tea and toast for them, and a quick re-think by us of just how we were going to keep everyone dry!
We desperately needed more shelter up at the playground itself and also on the village green, so it was all hands on deck to source some gazebos.
Crisis sorted, we made sure our bar staff were prepped and ready, balloons were installed in the Playground and Village Hall, kids word-search printed, buns baked, and then it was off home for a quick change in time for our opening ceremony at 2pm.
We had a tremendous turn-out, even though the weather was lousy. The ceremony was opened by our fantastic speaker Ian, who gave an account of the ‘story so far…’ and thanked everyone who had helped in seeing the project to it’s fruition. Gifts were presented to those who had gone ‘above and beyond’ the call of duty.
The ribbon was cut by our Village children and the opening toasted with glasses of champagne, as the children (& adults) rushed into the playground to try out each and every piece of new equipment and sit and admire the sensory garden. This was followed by a hog-roast & bbq on the Village Green – the rain truly didn’t stop P.L.A.Y. on our special day!
We would like to thank everyone who has helped in this project, from all at Groundwork UK, to Janice our Facilitator, Phil our unofficial ‘Project Manager’, Jackie our Landscape Architect, Pam & Sue our garden ladies and many more. I personally, would like to thank, with all my heart, Bridget, Karen, Jane and Trish, who have really made a difference to the future of Litton Village – it’s been a pleasure working with you ladies - we got there in the end!”
Julie Nash
It’s great to hear that everyone had a great time at the launch, despite the poor weather. Congratulations to Julie, Karen and the group, i know it’s been difficult with the delays but i’m sure the experience has been worthwile for you all and the community can now enjoy their great new play area.
All the best.
Mo
The launch event was lovely, in spite of the rain. Funnily enough it was almost fitting that the sun didn’t shine, given their delays began with about a foot of snow back in the depths of winter. The continuted poor weather for the launch was somehow not surprising.
Anyway, there was a great turnout, and there’s obviously lots of fantastic support locally for the project and the Mums. Well done all of you!
Janice.