Have spoken to Playdale again regarding repairs to the 2 existing units. They assure me all is in hand, and that the team will be here this week, although they could not confirm a date.

Wet pour team back in today, and we now have colour !!

The missing fence panels have been replaced, thanks Tim.

Repairs to the existing units still to be done.

The wet pour has now been completed around the orbit, and all shapes are cut ready for colour.

2 of the 3 skips have now been collected.

New signage has been put on the gates.

'play area not open to the public........'

Not 3 but 4 fence panels are missing. Tim & possibly Alan sorting over the weekend. Many thanks !!!!

Some of the equipment tried and tested this evening, sorry couldn't resist any longer ;o)

I met with the installation team this morning as their tasks were now completed.

Had a check round, all is good, and the Orbit is now in place.

I did note however that the old units had not been repaired. Informed by Paul Richardson that another team were booked in to do this.

I have had no issues with Playdale at all, so signed the worksheet and they went on their way.

Wet pour team back again, surfaces and graphics looking really good. Informed they won't be finished till Monday though.

With the old units on my mind, especially as signed papers, duh I know, phoned Playdale to ask when these are due to be done. Slight lack of communication on their part I'm afraid, so to cut long story short another installation team will be with us again very shortly.

The skips will be removed hopefully in next couple of days.

Have been given a bag of spare nuts/bolts/washers/etc etc. Also I have here half a fence, few slats and 2 posts. These belong to PC, have we anywhere suitable to store them ?

Grass seed has been put around the units, but will need watering especially with the weather as it is. Any vols ???

Thanks ever so much Tim for mowing the walk way, and for buying/installing the 3 extra fence panels needed. Very much appreciated.

Recreation Ground - Play Area Project

Wooden trim around all units now completed and the base for the wet pour was done today.

The safety rails have been put in place but still need to be cemented in.

As you can see we now have swings, and they look fantastic. I was rather tempted to test them out, but refrained ;o)

Fence posts/panels put back, and in their new position.

The new posts cost £70.

More info on fence panels to follow.

Great idea from Alistair regarding Open Day.

Thought is to do a joint venture with Tennis Club to celebrate both Play Area & Pavilion. Possibly have a BBQ and a village game of rounders.

I've done a poster and will sent via email later. If we all agree to this I'll then inform NHDC/WREN the plan for the day.

Playdale now hope to finish Friday, and once papers signed, it will be all ours, ref insurance.

It will not however be open to the public until NHDC inspection done, so signage will be placed until then. Kids I'm sure will still venture in mind !!!

The rest of WREN paperwork to be done shortly and will also claim the remaining £500 grant money.

Recreation Ground - Play Area Project

Workmen not about Monday as foreman not very well. He's now OK and back in action.

Couple of things....

Where the original fence was positioned the ground is rather uneven. Have asked them to level a bit more so the safer grass lays flat.

This area was to extend by 3m and I was assured it would not affect the wild flower area.

Now the safer grass in place the fencing will be right next to the meadow. Playdale have done as asked so my fault I'm afraid. We now need to reconsider the grass cutting width done in this area otherwise quite a bit of the meadow will be lost, and know people will not be at all happy.

On a lighter note, wet pour safety surfacing tomorrow.

Watch out for update.

Recreation Ground - Play Area Project

I met with Peter Underwood (NHDC) this morning and he was very impressed and delighted on the progress to date.
Regarding the opening event, he suggested Aug/Sept, as gives time for us all to arrange a suitable date and for him to prepare the NHDC plaque.
As for who is going to declare the site officially open & what we are to lay on refreshment wise needs some more thought. NHDC need to know 'who' ref wording on plaque, and they seem keen to cut the ribbon as gave most of the funding. We can't forget WREN so needs discussing at our need meeting.
Once the project is complete I believe we need to sent invoices to NHDC & they in turn will release the outstanding grant money. Janet can you confirm ref NHDC letter(s) please.

I've done a small write up for July Parish Mag and Peter would like a copy so to possibly add in Herts Mag and even the Comet Newspaper. If you would like to view, please let me know.

With the refurb' of Baldock/Hitchin/Letchworth Peter mentioned the possibility of us having some of the benches for the play area. They are wooden with metal ends. He phoned Stewart Izzard and if we wanted them they would be available in the Autumn. Is this something we would be interested in ? For now have reserved 2. NHDC delivery charge is £50 or we can collect ourselves.

Peter was also impressed with the pavilion and enquired as to the supplier & costs etc. Apparently NHDC are funding a Cricket Club project else where.
Alistair would you mind giving me some details please. Many thanks.

Workman back on site this afternoon. Will venture down to talk about Flower Meadow, Safer Grass and Footpath.

Watch this space ;o)

Recreation Ground - Play Area Project

Thought I'd venture over today without the builders being there so to have a closer inspection of equipment etc.

All seems fine, although I did notice that soil has been put into the hedge alongside the mounded grass area.

It looks fine but we did agree for them not to do that.

Do we want it removed or can it remain ??

Comments by Tuesday morning please.

Couple of concerns regarding Flower Meadow but will get back to you on that one.

RECREATION GROUND - PLAY AREA PROJECT

All the swing frames are now in place.

Most of the sub base material has now been compacted.

Timber Trail now done, and safe grass still to be laid.

The crew won't be on site tomorrow. Back home to Cumbria for the weekend for a well deserved rest.

Work resumes Monday and should be completed by Tuesday. Wet pour booked for Wednesday.

Ref the heavy loads, there is some damage to the path at the front of the pavilion. Playdale assures me it will be made good.

I'm storing some of their machinery in my garden over the weekend and do so at my own risk.

As mentioned meeting Peter Underwood Monday 10.00am. Wondered about having grand opening Saturday 27th 1.00pm or Wednesday 1st July 7.00pm. Youth Club Night :o)

Thoughts most welcome please.

Have some bunting, and will get few balloons and red tape.

Alan would you mind saying a few words to thank NHDC/WREN and declaring the play area open. I'm no good when it comes to public speaking I'm afraid.

If you get a chance please do pop over and have a look.

RECREATION GROUND - PLAY AREA PROJECT

Swings & Buddy Swing areas have now been dug out and the sub base MOT type one stone has been delivered.

The spinner is now in place.

Ground work has been done and the base of The Orbit is now in place.

The Orbit area had to be moved over slightly from original plan. This is ref the access gate.

Timber Posts.

Replies to date suggest we go ahead & buy replacements needed. I spoke to the guy in charge today & he kindly agreed to go to JB Fencing & collect for us. No Delivery charge :o)

I'll settle up with him and let you know the amount in due course.

Tuesday 16th June

As you can see the play area is coming along very nicely indeed. Today the swings/bark have been removed and the Timber Trail is being put in place.

Lots of digging going on in prep for the new items. Sadly the soil is not good quality, therefore not ideal for the football pitch I'm afraid.

If any problems with the entrance route Margaret has kindly agreed that Playdale can drive through to gain access via Manor Farm.

Playdale are on schedule and most of the work may well be completed by next week.

I have emailed Peter Underwood (NHDC) and said the site visit might be better sooner than later. I've now suggested this Friday at 10.00am. Await reply.

He wants to also discuss NHDC commemorative plaque and a formal opening event.

Watch this space, more updates to follow.

Recreation Ground Play Area Project

Hi All
I'm pleased to say Playdale are now on site.
On my visit this afternoon they had removed fencing, and were in the process of digging up the safety matting.

As extending 3m outward, they were concerned on the lack of fencing, but informed them of what happened and to use what's available. Added, any gaps the PC will make good when the project is finished.

Hopefully before the grand opening ???? Date to be arranged.

The skips have been ordered and will arrive in the morning. They asked if any soil could be left on site or dispersed around field. Replied NO !!

Equipment wise, the lorries, they are still worried that they won't be able to make it round the footpath corner. Said if push comes to shove may have to use other access, but will have to talk to land owners first.

Will update WREN & NHDC and invite them over. Suggested date/time, Wed 24th, 10.30am

Playdale will be needing water ref cement etc, so can they get from the Pavilion ???
Also would it be possible for them to use the loo as well ???

B4N
Marian

Recreation Ground gate combination padlock instructions.

To unlock the padlock, turn the dials to the code number (currently 0809) and then press the silver part of the lock down into the brass base, the lock will then undo.

To lock it again, change the tumblers to be something other than the unlocking code and click the padlock closed.

To change the combination you will need the key, which will be kept by the Clerk. You change the combination by first unlocking the padlock. With the padlock in the open position and the numbered tumblers set to the existing code, insert the key and turn it 90°. Reset the combination to the desired 4-digit number and then rotate the key back 90° and extract it. The new combination is now set.

Please remember to record the new number and give the key back to the Clerk for safe keeping.