AFTER many months of fundraising, including a Community Fun Day held last summer that raised more than £3,000, a magnificent play area and adventure trail has been opened at Cheriton Bishop School.

The deed was done by author Sam Goddard who cut a ribbon on Thursday, March 5, a day of cold winds threatening more rain and when the school had celebrated this addition by the children wearing costumes of their favourite book character and a tea party out on the school playground with families and friends.

The school PTFA had raised the money for the new equipment, a castle and a ship and an adventure trail through achieving grants and its own fundraising events.

PTFA chairman, Dee Studholme-Cote, explained that grants were from Investing in Devon, a fund-match provided by Wales and West Utilities, and the school was involved in the Tesco Bags for Life scheme which is still going on at the Crediton Tesco store.

Dee welcomed everyone, thanked all those who had sponsored the play equipment and adventure trail and presented an enormous bouquet to Sam Goddard.

Held on World Book Day, the opening was also a day of celebration of the written word and the school’s love of books.

There was coffee, other drinks for the children, and cake sale, second hand book swap, as well as the fancy dress parade with children dressed as their favourite book character. Crediton Library also had a stand.

Staff of Crediton Community Bookshop had visited the previous week while on the Thursday, Sam Goddard took her book “Finding Ray’s Key” to share with the children. Illustrations were by Exeter-based Owen Williams. Sam lives at Tedburn St Mary.

The new play equipment will be open to local groups by prior appointment with Cheriton Bishop School.

See more images in the current issue of the Crediton Courier.