A bird's eye view  (Click image to enlarge)

Friends of The Playing Field
For most of the time, little help is needed to keep everything in order but there are occasions when additional help will be appreciated.  For this reason in July 2012, 'Friends of The Playing Field' was created and anyone who feels they would like to give up and hour or two to help tidy the field, paint the equipment, help with maintenance, or assist in erecting marquees, please let us know. Write to terry@tkplay.co.uk

 

2013 Tractor Safari

The organisers would like to thank everyone for a great day at the Tractor Safari. Everybody really enjoyed the lovely countryside and the chance to view areas of our parish that are usually out of reach and sight. A special 'thank you' is due to the Poole family for organising a route on and around their farm, passed their ponds and through their woods.
  This event was a great combined effort with the Village Hall Committee getting behind the Playing Field Committee to make it such a great day.
  A big 'thank you' to all the Friends of the FPF and all the tractor drivers, many of whom made three trips round the route to enable all the enthusiastic riders to take the enjoy the experience.
  The food was excellent. Many thanks to Eileen Brown, Rose Faulkner, Kim Warrington, Marcelle Paton-Smith, and Leslie Ball for producing delicious pork rolls, and ice cream.
  There would have been a very big hole in the marquee without liquid refreshment dispensed by the Village Hall Bar Committee: Mel, Joyce, Collette, Michelle and the Brooks girls.
  Our thanks also go to Ian Smith and his Tractor Team of Edward Brown, Mitchell Bright, Stuart and Robert Faulkner, and Steve Wooldridge for organising the tractor safari, the tractor skittles, tractor reversing course and the digger skills contest. They were all great fun to watch!
  Thank you also to David Smith and Susan Bowman for collecting the money and marshalling cars and tractors. To Adrian Green who provided the Golf Chip contest - far more difficult than it looked! To Tony and Olly Sanders and Steve Bond who organised a splendid Ball Lobbing game. To Mark Goldman who arranged the electrics, and Mark Thomas who set the Quiz that kept us all guessing.
  On the day we raised:

Thanks to everyone who supported us on the day.   Here is a selection of photos:



Photos: Maureen Poole

Frithelstock Playing Fields Committee

Spring clean up 2013
Fourteen 'Friends of Frithelstock Playing Field' turned out on Saturday 18 May to carrying out maintenance of the equipment. Some parts needed cleaning with a high pressure jet-wash, the long grass around the equipment needed strimming and one bench needed completely repainting.
  Although the forecast at the start of the week had not been helpful, the day turned out to dry and sunny. We have Ian Brown to thank for setting the scene by mowing the main area which left just the borders of the equipment and the edges of the field to be strimmed. At one point, we had eight people strimming!
  Our thanks too, to Roger Hunkin for bringing his jet-washing equipment (and a tank full of water!) which made light working of cleaning off the winter slime.
  One major task was the complete repainting of the bench which will shortly incorporate a plaque to John Vickery, one of the founders who died last year. An oak tree was also planted in his memory. Members of his family have been invited to see these features.
  Although there is still some painting and minor tasks, the whole Playing Field looked very neat and tidy by the afternoon. The committee extend their thanks and appreciation to Chris and Ruth Ward, Martin and Luke Little, Marcelle Paton-Smith, Mackie and Chris Poole, Roger (Chunky) Hunkin, Mark Goldman, Ruth Blake, and Adrian Green.
  If you would like to be involved when the next 'working party' is needed, either telephone Terry Warrington or send an e-mail to friends@frithelstock.com.  We welcome new members.
  Make a note in your diary - A Tractor Safari will take place on Sunday 25 August. Look out for more details which will be circulated in good time.
Terry Warrington, Chairman

L-R: General view - Jet-washing the Gazebo - planting the oak tree

L-R: trimming and raking - back to bare wood, and replacing fittings

Independent Inspection
In 2012, a full inspection was carried out to cover safety and maintenance standards.  The inspection was carried out on 10 May by Chris Buss RPII Annual Inspector for The Play Inspection Company Ltd, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9AN.
  Overall, the equipment passed without any urgent work being required and all risks are stated as being 'low' or 'very low'.  One item that required some maintenance has already been actioned and other minor issues will be improved shortly.
  Parents and children can therefore feel confident when using the equipment. But parents are always advised to keep an eye at all times.
  Our thanks to everyone who has helped to keep the field tidy and presentable.

Read the 2012 report
Read the 2016 Report

The Big Clean 15 May 2011
Cleaning


Painting

Earth & Turf

Saturday 14 May saw a group of dedicated volunteers who came to help clean, pressure wash, stain and paint the equipment. In addition, the gravel surround to the pagoda has now been covered with several tonnes of earth and covered with turf. The pagoda itself now sports a fresh coat of paint – alongside all the pieces of equipment. But the painting was not completed and another day is needed to finish the tasks. The swings have been replaced - and other repairs made - and all the equipment checked for damage and excess wear.
  My thanks to all those who came along - hard working helpers on the day include, Elaine & Wayne Rowtcliffe (who came from Torrington and wanted to help as they often use the play area), Marcelle–Paton–Smith, Mike Stokes, Jeff Bowman, Chunky Hunkin (for pressure washing), Aussie Conner (for the turf), Charlie Heckman, Heathcliffe Pettifer, Dave Birch, Mackie Poole, Steve Beer for the earth, and John Vickery for a major contribution to the cost of the paint and - not forgetting - the Play Committee: Greg Ball, Mark Goldman, Mark Thomas. Terry Warrington.