It is the start of the year, and Wilby Playing Fields trustees have been busy organising improvements to the playing fields.
You hopefully have noticed that last year we had the climbing frames and barriers to the entrance to the car park painted.
We have also carried out repairs to the climbing frames to keep them safe and compliant. The under 6’s climbing frame has had new boards fitted. The wooden climbing frame has had a new supporting square pole fitted. Another square pole is to be fitted when the weather improves.
Our next project is replacing the safety matting under 2 sets of swings and the spinner. The annual safety inspection has highlighted these as needing to be replaced. We successfully applied for capital funding from North Northamptonshire Council and work begins Monday 5th February and should only take one week to complete. Please note the swings and spinner will not be able to be used during the replacement of the safety matting. We will put up signs and tape off the areas that are not in use.
Next we are going to replace the garage. Sadly the garage was broken into in May 2022. Since then we have been raising funds to strengthen and improve the security by replacing the garage. The capital grant application to North Northamptonshire Council included replacing the garage but we are seeking additional funding to ensure what we rebuild will last generations to come. More information to follow when we have a date to start the work.
Back in December we said a sad goodbye to the Pre-school after 20 years of operating from the pavilion. This left us with a dilemma of covering the costs of running the playing fields. We have been successful in letting some of the space occupied by the pre-school but still have a room to hire out for children’s parties, exercise classes, social clubs etc. If you are interested in hiring the pavilion’s room (available all day Monday – Saturday with Sundays only available outside the football season) which includes use of the kitchen and toilets, please contact us through this website.
Lastly we have appointed a new Land Trustee. We are pleased to welcome Chris Judge as one of 2 land trustees alongside Judith Thompson. The vacancy arose on the retirement of Robert Bainbridge who was a great source of advice and support for our work over many years. Our condolences to Barbel on Robert’s passing.
If you would like to support the work of the playing fields committee (made up of Wilby residents), please get in touch as we would love to hear from you. We meet 3 or 4 times a year.
If you have any questions or concerns, again get in touch through the website. All messages are passed on to us.
Thanks and enjoy your park.
Helene, Chair
Wilby Northamptonshire 