On Monday 20th May 2013, the deputy Mayor of Chickerell Mr John Dean was joined by the Chickerell @ Play community group, Chickerell Primary Academy school, and school children to plant a special tree at the Willowbed Field. The deputy Mayor was joined by Ellie Cleaver Coles, aged 13 who came up with the original idea for the play area.
A children’s play area was opened in June 2011 after 2 years of tireless work by the local council and community who worked together to raise funds and build the playground in less than two years. With the design based on ideas from local young people, it cost over £80,000. The money was raised through Chickerell@Play, Chickerell Town Council and West Dorset District Council. It is managed and maintained by the Chickerell Town council.
Chickerell Deputy Mayor Mr John Dean said “It’s been wonderful to see how much the Chickerell community is using the facilities that it worked so hard to achieve. The play area is amazingly popular and still looks good. That shows has respectful Chickerell young people have been to their play area.”
Julie Cleaver, Chair of Chickerell@Play community group which raised over £12,000 towards the project, said: “ The children of Chickerell and their families have enjoyed the play facilities over the past 2 years. We have been very proud of our young people in the care and respect that they have shown to the equipment and the area. The playground has created a new “heart” in the centre of the village where families, friends and children can enjoy the area and have some fun. By planting a tree at the playground it will help us as a community remember the hard work of the fundraising group Chickerell@Play. The tree will be seen as a thank you to every person involved.”
