Families gathered at Redlands Community Sports Hub today for the ASDA free ‘Family Fun Day’ and to mark the unveiling of the QEII Fields Trust status for this important community site.
The Fields In Trust “FIT” initiative has been improving and safeguarding outside spaces since 1925 and has 1,281 spaces in its protection; 40 of which are in Dorset. Their aim is to monitor and protect selected areas so that everyone in the United Kingdom can have access to space for sport, play and recreation. Representatives and organisations from the local community run and manage these sites with the lifelong support of The Fields In Trust status.
The value of Redlands Sports Centre, which is managed by Weymouth College, was celebrated today as the Mayor of Weymouth and Portland, Councillor Margaret Leicester unveiled the official plaque to mark the living legacy to protect this site. Richard Drax, Conservative MP for South Dorset, and Liz Myles, the Principal of Weymouth College also attended this event. John Priest from the Fields in Trust organisation said: “We would like to express our appreciation to Weymouth College, Portland Town Council and thanks to ASDA, our principal partner who have contributed greatly to this event.” Principal of Weymouth College, Liz Myles expressed her gratitude to the Fields in Trust as the plaque was unveiled as “a great honour.”
The free event led by the ‘ASDA Active’ initiative entertained children and adults who were able to enjoy the fine weather whilst taking part in activities such as football, martial arts and face painting. Their slogan “keep Britain moving” was an appropriate event to be held on the same day as Redlands Sports Hub received the Field Trust status. Local radio station, Wessex FM provided music and free ice cream as part of their Summer Tour around Dorset and Weymouth College staff helped to lead the sporting activities.
The Olympics have formed a huge part of our community news and events, but it was nice to see so many locals come along to Redlands, as we protect it for today’s community and for future generations.
By Sally Welbourn
