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)