Playscape Amazed by Local Generosity

Playscape has received an unexpected donation of £20,000!

The grant, from a donor-advised fund, is to further our charitable purposes and cover professional fees and fundraising expenses. This is such a boost for the team and the project! Supporting the strategic planning financially affirms the holistic and inclusive approach we’ve taken on this project. We can’t thank the donors enough for their financial support and practical encouragement.

Much discussion has been going on behind the scenes to finalise a few points of the design and we are happy we’ve found a satisfying conclusion for everyone. Erect Architecture have now been given the go ahead to prepare the planning application and the Parish Council have scheduled a tree survey, a necessary requirement of the application.

The Copse

It has been a real pleasure to hear how much people are enjoying the new meadow, willow dome and den building area in the copse: every time I visit, new dens have appeared and logs have been rearranged. The grass is now high, which is fun, although it’ll be a few years before the wildflowers are fully established.

An old willow tree had to be felled on Woollards Lane and was kindly donated to the copse project. We had intended to do some more installations in the copse with the logs, however people’s desire to cross the ditch has meant they are now installed there! Crossing points were always part of the design so we will be installing some stepping-stones and have applied for a grant to help fund a bridge across the ditch for an accessible crossing too.

Also, a dozen young native shrubs (dogwood, elder and holly) have been planted and we’ve sourced a pile of reclaimed timber that we will site around the meadow and copse as benches and balancing logs.

Supporting Playscape

We still need all the help you can offer! Why not sign-up for the Shelford Fun Run 5km on Sunday 17th September and make your run count by raising sponsorship? All proceeds are going to the Playscape charity. Registration is now open at www.shelfordfunrun.co.uk: Adults £14, Affiliated runners £12, children £5. Times will be supplied.

We’ll also be at the feast on Sunday 16th July, so pop along, say hi, look at the latest plans, find out our latest news, and have a go with a water pistol!