Welcome to Lyonshall

Click the image to enlarge it

The Grand Opening of the playground was held last Sunday in Baker’s Meadow and the playground itself. The party started at 12.30 with free BBQ food and hog roast for the Lyonshall residents who also received 2 tokens each for free drinks. We were very lucky with the weather and the sun shone throughout until the event finished somewhere around 6pm. Each child was given the opportunity to enter their name into a draw to cut the ribbon and officially open the playground.

The formal opening was held just after 2pm; we decided to keep the formalities to a minimum with two short speeches. Paul Avery, Chairman of Lyonshall Parish Council thanked the people, the lottery fund, Groundwork UK and other companies involved in the project. Andrew Burgoyne, the Chairman of Burgoynes of Lyonshall who donated the land to mark their centenary explained the background to their decision to donate the land, the importance to them of the village, and his pleasure at seeing the quality of the playground and how well it is being used. Andrew then drew the ticket for the draw to open the playground. Alexandria Kelly, aged 3, was the lucky winner. She cut the ribbon and the playground was opened. Alexandria is almost 3 years old, and we are told she has acquired a taste for cutting ribbons and wants to know when she can do it again. Alexandria will receive a framed photo of her cutting the ribbon and there will be a plaque on the inside of the playground shelter with the inscription 'This playground was opened on the 22nd of August 2010 by Alexandria Kelly aged 3'.

In addition to the food and drink, entertainment was provided for the children with face painting, circus skills, and a bouncy castle. All three activities were occupied the whole time, as was the playground itself. None of the children was bored or badly behaved. It was a really happy party.

248 people (including 67 children) came to the party by 3pm when the desk at the gate closed and probably another 50 after that. That is around 1/3rd pf the Parish. It was noticeable that it attracted a large number of people who do not usually attend parish events.

The only unwelcome visitors were wasps which managed to inflict stings on 3 people one of whom, Kate Lomax our Parish Clerk and a very active Playground Group member missed the opening itself as she was rushed to hospital.

We used the party as an opportunity to get the views on the future development of the playground and seek volunteers to help in the future. If you want to help with the playground or other village projects contact Kate who is now fully recovered & avoiding wasps!!!

The playground has already been a huge success far exceeding our expectations. It is rare at the moment to go down to the playground and see it empty. We are now sorting out the aftermath of the party and the committee members need a little time off playground matters to finish off the school holidays. We will then turn our thoughts onto how much of the grant monies will be left over, and how that could be used to improve facilities for the younger children.

Thanks to everyone for your support of the event.

Speeding The local police officers are now trained in the use of the speed gun and are putting their new skills to use in the area. We are hoping that this will help to reduce traffic speeds.

A Big Thank You to Farmers & Landowners who help keep the footpaths and pavements clear of crops and hedges. It is a great help to the many people who walk around the village and countryside enjoying our lovely scenery.

Parish Plan There are plans to develop a Parish Plan based on ideas & suggestions from residents so let us know your thoughts. The parish council can get this started but more people are needed to make it work. There will be further information at the Village Party.

Baker’s Meadow Playground The playground is now in use.

The official grand opening is on Sunday 22nd August, 12.30pm behind the playground in Baker's Meadow. You will need to bring the invitation delivered with your parish magazine. If you live in Lyonshall and there was no invitation attached then ring the parish chairman, Paul Avery 340409 or clerk, Kate Lomax 340092.

%%%%%%%%%%%

LYONSHALL VILLAGE PARTY

TO CELEBRATE THE GRAND PLAYGROUND OPENING

AT BAKER’S MEADOW PLAYGROUND

SUNDAY 22ND AUGUST – from 12.30pm

(Official Opening at 2pm)

FREE HOG ROAST, BARBEQUE & ICE CREAM

FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS OF ALL AGES

BRING YOUR INVITATION

Hog Roast

Bouncy Castle

Circus skills

Face Painting Bar Balloons

Free food and drink

LOTS OF FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY

%%%%%%%%%%%