Thorpe Salvin: Picnic in the park to celebrate new equipment

A picnic in the park will mark the arrival of £20,000 worth of play equipment in Thorpe Salvin.
Guardian NewsGuardian News
Guardian News

On Sunday 21st July, a week earlier than first planned, families and community figures will gather at Sorby Recreation Field to christen the park.

Families are invited along from 4.30pm to bring a picnic and try out the new equipment.

Kids will have a whale of a time conquering the Quest climbing frame and sailing on the cantilever type basket swing.

Upgrading the play area has been a long term aim of Thorpe Salvin Parish Council, who put £10,000 towards the project.

But it was made possible thanks to the efforts of the Friends of Sorby Playing Field.

The group surveyed parents and children, chose the new play pieces and put together a successful bid for funding.

The National Lottery Awards For All scheme contributed the extra £9,600 needed.

Children are already enjoying the newly revamped play area.

But a small minority of villagers have said the new equipment alongside the old bits does not look good.

Next up the older pieces on the park will be refurbished to lessen the contrast.

Sorby Field was gifted to the village by Mary Louisa Sorby, of Thorpe Hall, in 1949.

There was no provision for maintenance, so Rotherham Council has traditionally done the necessary work.

However, council spending cuts have meant the parish council has had to take over the responsibility for the field’s upkeep.

Grass cutting, hedge trimming, inspection of equipment and tackling moles all incurs a considerable spend.

But the reintroduction of junior football on the field this year has been welcomed by the community.

Not only because the field is being used for its intended purpose, but it also brings in a little extra income.

Contact parish council clerk Les Wheatley on 01246 434908 or 07773 782246 to find out more about the park improvement project.

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