Rolleston on Dove Playbuilder Site
Official Opening Celebrations
Wednesday 28 October 2009, Craythorne Woods, 12noon until 3pm

Large crowds enjoyed a celebration event organised to coincide with the official opening, by Councillor Bob Fraser, of the new play area site in Craythorne Woods. Other officials present included Parish Clerk Heidi Light, Janet Dean MP, Jamie Winstone, John Morris and Liz Staples. A marquee housed some stands/activities. Additional free activities included Punch & Judy, Balloon Modelling, Magic Show, Face painting, a Treasure Hunt led by Staffordshire Wildlife and much more. There was also a visit from the dancing dragon (through Burton Chinese Community Association).

Although these proved popular the children (and a few adults) seemed to gain most enjoyment from the play equipment itself including a giant slide, aerial runway and climbing frame.

Winter 2009 Rollestonian Report

The official opening of Tafflands (Craythorne Woods Play Area) took place on Wednesday 28th October and coincided with a Showcase Event to celebrate what has been achieved so far with the Playbuilder programme. The play area was officially opened by Bob Fraser, County Councillor, Janet Dean, MP and Jamie Winstone, Chairman Rolleston on Dove Parish Council. Excellent weather along with an excellent turn out ensured that the event was a huge success.

Credit should be passed to 30 children from John of Rolleston Primary School who performed the dragon dance and played a wide range of musical instruments and really got the event off to a great start. Thanks must be conveyed also to Burton Chinese Community Association who gave the children a one hour training session the week prior to the event and also gave many other people the opportunity to take part on the day.

The event was supported by several organisations, including, ESBC, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, Homestart, Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire Fire Service, Olli the sign language monkey, Rob Falcon, Children’s Entertainer and Rolleston Football Club who all ensured that a wide range of free activities were on offer throughout the three hour event. Of course, the straw bale play area also went down an absolute storm!

I am sure that you will all agree that the play area is a big asset to the village and is already hugely popular with young and old alike. The project was completed on time and on budget and a huge thank-you must once again be given to the various people who ensured that the project was a success. A phenomenal amount of voluntary labour was put into the project and I would once again like to acknowledge the following people:-

Staffordshire County Council, Harpur Fabrications, Topley and Fisher, Bryan Chinn, John Underhill and his neighbours, John Morris, David Jennings, Andrew Jennings, Roger Gawthorpe, Jamie Winstone and family, Tom Deacon, John Deacon, Rosemary Deacon, Phil Gould, Blue Cross Centre, and our Planner and Project Manager Barry Edwards.

Heidi Light - Clerk to Rolleston on Dove Parish Council