Greg Smith MP 'Helps Out'

16/05/2023

To mark the beginning of ‘The Big Help Out’ – local MP Greg Smith officially opened a new playground on 8th May, in the village of Chearsley in Buckinghamshire. The project led by a group of local volunteers has raised over £64,000 to refurbish the equipment for younger members of the community and for the first time ensure it is fully accessible.

Anne Adams, a local resident who initiated and led the project commented: “As a former teacher, I know how important play and playing outside is for young people. Our aging village playground was overdue a complete renovation and we have lots of young children in the village and surrounding area who I know will love using this new facility. We wanted to ensure that the new playground is fully accessible and provide a couple of facilities for local teenagers to help them come together, especially after the damaging effects of the recent pandemic. The whole project has been led by volunteers and we are extremely grateful to all the funders who have helped to make this wonderful project a reality.”

Greg Smith MP, commented: “The opening of this new playground is a perfect example of the volunteering theme being celebrated today as part of the Coronation Weekend and what volunteering can achieve for the community. As a local resident myself with three young children – I know this playground will be widely used, we are so lucky to have a very strong volunteering ethos in Chearsley. Although this project has been a big undertaking, I hope it will inspire others to get together and make a difference in their communities however small.”

The playground was designed by Caloo Ltd and contains features such as an accessible roundabout, nest swing, trampoline and table tennis table.

The project was supported and funded by: Buckinghamshire Council; Heart of Bucks Community Foundation, The Bernard Sunley Foundation, FCC Communities Foundation, Chearsley Parish Council and Chearsley Village Hall Committee.

Pictured below is the official ribbon cutting marking the opening of the facility.