November 2001
The Nether Stowey Playing Field Committee and Parish Council are celebrating
this week with the fantastic news that they have gained funding from the
National Lottery Community Fund.
The dream of a Skate Board Ramp and the Cycle-Gym costing £40 000 is now set to go ahead with the aid of a £33 756 grant.
Two years ago Nether Stowey Parish Council were planning a suitable project to mark the millennium and the idea of a cycle gym was proposed. Young people in the village, lead by Josh Wright, felt that a quality skateboard and BMX ramp, (half-pipe), would be most appreciated.
Josh undertook a survey of youngsters in the village and presented the findings to the Parish Council and Playing Field Committee. As a result it was decided that it would be ideal if both projects could go ahead. A committee was formed to steer this through the planning and fundraising stages. The young people of the village have been actively involved in all stages and particular mention should be made of the efforts of Kerry Pollard, Dan Nicholls and Dan Sidaway amongst others.
Fundraising commenced with millennium celebrations in June 2000. The Parish Council, lead by Joyce Standring, gave a grant towards the project as did Avon & Somerset Constabulary and Sedgemoor District Sports Council. Various fundraising activities involving different sections of the community have been taking part to help ensure the success of the project. The young people have organised a rounders match, a skittles weekend and a sponsored sleepover. Local pubs have also been involved by running monthly raffles and other activities. To date funds raised from the local community total nearly £8 000 and now, thanks to a grant of £33 756 from the National Lottery Community Fund, the project is to become a reality.
A special thanks must go to Liz Onions (chairperson of the Playing Fields Committee), Dave Slocombe (parish councillor) and Jenny Tyndall (clerk to P.C.) for all the efforts that they have made to ensure the success of the project.
It is hoped that work will start in the new year and will be completed by June, in time for the Golden Jubillee celebrations, when it is hoped that skateboarding and BMX demonstrations will be held.
The project will benefit not only the young people of Nether Stowey (designated a rural centre), but also those from the surrounding farms and villages as the nearest similar facility is in Taunton.
