A group of Berrow residents was celebrating last night (Thursday) after the village’s £50,000 play area was named the best in Somerset at an awards ceremony.
The play area on Berrow Green – which opened last year following a £50,000 National Lottery grant – was chosen by judges from the Somerset Playing Fields Association and their decision was announced at its AGM.
BBC sports presenter Geoff Twentyman presented a trophy and certificates to Berrow Parish Council’s David Cornish, Carol Dyer and Peter Dunwell during the ceremony in Woolavington.
David told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We’re thrilled to have won for a second year running – it’s come as a complete surprise! No play area has won twice in succession before.”
Mr Twentyman told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “It’s great to see the pride that is taken in maintaining and running play areas such as the one at Berrow. They are crucial in children’s development. Anything that gets children away from computers and games consoles, and out into the fresh air, is wonderful.”
Dozens of representatives from playing fields across Somerset attended Thursday’s event which was led by Lady Gass, the association’s President. Also among the attendees was Sedgemoor District Council’s Chairman, Cllr Gill Slocombe.
Berrow Parish Council was able to install the new play area last year after winning a £50,000 Lottery grant. It also received a £15,000 grant from Viridor Credits Environmental Company and smaller grants from Sedgemoor District Council, Somerset County Council, Burnham Without Parish Council and Berrow Parish Council. Burnham’s former MP, David Heathcoat-Amory, opened the play area last summer, as reported here.
Pictured: Top, Dave Durdan (Chairman of Somerset County Playing Fields Association), Lady Gass and Geoff Twentyman with, front, David Cornish, Carol Dyer and Peter Dunwell; Below, last year’s opening
