Westow Playing Fields Association
A great village resource
On the east side of the village, just off Church Lane, there is a purpose built play area for children. The area has swings, a slide, a zip slide and other pieces of play equipment. There is a mini football field, a picnic area, a large grass area with some young trees growing, benches and a large parking area. The playing field is available for use by all the families in and around the Westow area.
Origins
In 1998 some past and present villagers got together to provide a safe and fun play area in or near to the housing in the village. A charity was formed - the Westow Playing Fields Association - and the work began. Funding was needed to purchase the land and equipment and to landscape the grounds. Many and various methods were used to raise the funds including sponsored events, bonfire and fireworks, the plant stall and the 120 Club. Then there were the formal applications to funding bodies and other charities to obtain the bulk of the money needed. All this activity took over 2 years and the playing field was formally opened by its Chair throughout the main fund raising period, Chris Kellet in 2001.
The playing field nowThe equipment is still going strong and the young trees planted in 2002 are starting to look more mature. Westow Playing Fields Association is still operating to maintain the playing area - cutting grass, maintaining the equipment, topping up the play bark. The football pitch is in regular use by Langton Primary School. Thanks to the current trustees and a number of parents who help to keep the playing field functioning. If you would like to help out please contact Steve Tetlow on 01653 618771.
Maintenance
Whilst maintenance is relatively low level there are still costs to cover each year to repair equipment, buying play bark and purchase costs of grass cutting equipment and running costs. A generous bequest from Ron Whisker's estate in 2005 allowed the WPFA to purchase a "sit on type grass cutter" rather than having to borrow equipment as in the past. The main annual cost is insurance which is almost £1,000 per year.
Funding
The playing field relies on two main fund raising initiatives each year to cover all costs and maintenance, these are the Westow Plant Stall in May and the 120 Club monthly prize draw. Together these usually manage to keep the playing field ticking over.
Please support the plant stall held each year and why not join the 120 Club monthly draw - you could win a prize.
Click here to download a form to join the 120 Club. Send this with your cheque and you will enrolled in the draw.