BEFORE the start of the September Sandford Parish Council meeting Cllr Jim Stephens declared open the newly refurbished Sandford Play Area.

A toast was proposed in local cider provided by Sandford Orchards, and local milk supplied by the Sandford Gate Milk Co.

The council held a public event to establish what kind of new play area equipment was needed and has been holding meetings with parents and grandparents.

This has all been “Masterminded” by former Parish Councillor Pat Yeo, who was warmly thanked by Jim Stephens and presented with a book token.

She in turn thanked Malcolm Vallance, Parish Clerk, for all the time taken to sort out the finance for the project.

Funding enabled the Parish Council to purchase two new pieces of equipment - a cone swing and a see saw, and also a new bench.

At the same time the other play equipment has been repainted and refurbished thanks to Andy White of Ministry of Play, who has family living in the parish.

The project had been financed by donations from parish organisations, a grant from Mid Devon District Council, S106 monies, and Parish Council funds earmarked for the project at a total cost of £20,000.

The next project is likely to be the installation of an Outdoor Gym.

A suggestion has also been made to install a toddler’s swing at the Creedy View Play Area.

A new Play Area sub committee has been formed consisting of Councillors Dave Hope, Stephen Haley and Mike Snow. Pat Yeo has been co-opted to the group.

MJV