THE youngsters of Heversham village have a belated reason to celebrate The Queen's Golden Jubilee with the grand opening of their revamped play area.

Heversham Jubilee Playground was officially opened by Mrs Rosemary Tryon-Wilson, the widow of Brigadier Tryon-Wilson, of Dallam Tower, who opened the first children's playground in the village in 1974.

Three years ago Heversham Parish Council decided, after much debate, to close the play area because the play features were getting old. They felt the equipment, although checked regularly by inspectors, did not meet all current standards. With the ever-increasing trend to sue after accidents, they decided closure was the only option.

However, some villagers decided to get together and raise money for new play kit, with the revamped playground being a way of commemorating the Golden Jubilee. The working group members were Paula Lernelius, Louise Budd, Karen Pickthall, John Cushnie, John Day, Carl Smith and Adele Shepherd.

Parish council vice-chairman Tony Parker said wobble boards, chain walks and a play feature with steps, slides and crawling tubes from Playdale, of Haverthwaite, had now been installed. The cost was around £11,000.

It is now hoped to raise more money for swings, a roundabout and seesaw.

The playground has new gates designed by Mr Parker, with a crown design in the metalwork, and crafted by Viver blacksmith Peter Cooper. The gateposts were built by Heversham's Ken Shepherd. Martin Jackson of Parkin and Jackson has given plaques for the posts, which will bear the names of those trusts, councils and subscribers who gave money towards the new playground.

The gates were paid for with fundraising by the Blue Bell Hotel at Heversham, where an afternoon tea was held after the playground opening ceremony.

May 29, 2003 16:00