NEW play equipment was officially opened in a park adjoining Lapford Playing Field on Saturday, June 28.

Children on one of the new items of play equipment at Lapford. AQ 5274
Children on one of the new items of play equipment at Lapford. AQ 5274 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

The play area is on land owned by Mid Devon District Council and some years ago the old play equipment fell into disrepair and was removed.

Julie Down, chairman of the Lapford Parish Council explained that the Parish Council and Playing Field committee has worked together to install the new equipment.

Terry Hopkins displayed his 1965 Massey Ferguson 135 tractor. AQ 5283
Terry Hopkins displayed his 1965 Massey Ferguson 135 tractor. AQ 5283 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

Nigel Colgrave, right, and his son Daniel, of Lapford, vintage tractor and vehicle restorers, took along some of their vehicles for the rally and were the event sponsors. AQ 5290
Nigel Colgrave, right, and his son Daniel, of Lapford, vintage tractor and vehicle restorers, took along some of their vehicles for the rally and were the event sponsors. AQ 5290 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

She said Section 106 money from local housing developments and funds from Lapford Parish Council had paid for the new equipment.

Mrs Jess Wright, Head of Lapford Community Primary School, cut a ribbon for the official opening.

Enjoying some raspberries and strawberries at Lapford Playing Field Vintage Rally. AQ 5253
Enjoying some raspberries and strawberries at Lapford Playing Field Vintage Rally. AQ 5253 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
Some of the classic cars on display in Lapford Play area on the day the new play equipment was officially opened. AQ 5252
Some of the classic cars on display in Lapford Play area on the day the new play equipment was officially opened. AQ 5252 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)

County and District Councillor Steve Keable described it as a “terrific facility”.

A vintage rally and barbecue was held on the day in the Playing Field.

New swings in the play area at Lapford. AQ 5277
New swings in the play area at Lapford. AQ 5277 (Alan Quick, Crediton Courier)
The barbecue was busy at Lapford Playing Field Vintage Rally.
The barbecue was busy at Lapford Playing Field Vintage Rally. (Grace Hill)