Celebrations for new Barnham community park

The event, aptly named the ‘Big Party in the Park’ took place in Murrell’s Field, and celebrated the opening of the village’s new £150,0000 community facilities, made possible through the award of £99,000 from The Big Lottery Fund.

The remainder of the funding was generated by the Barnham Leisure and Amenities Enterprise (BLADE).

The event featured the official opening of the park’s facilities, which included a children’s outdoor play area, a picnic site and a new fitness Trim Trail.

Mother-of-two, Casie Naylor, 34, of Elm Grove said: “It was a great event, the children really enjoyed it, and the new play area is amazing.

“It is a huge thing for Barnham to have something like this.”

With an emphasis on fun, dressed as cuddly characters, members of BLADE and Barnham Pre-school ambled around the field keeping everyone entertained.

Leading the first lap of the 700 metre trail was actor Eric Richard, best known for his long-term role as Sgt Bob Cryer in ITV’s The Bill.

The winner of the first lap was Johnny Peardy, and it was left to a giant fluffy dog and porky pig to battle it out for first place out of the animals.

The dog emerged victorious, but there was a hairy moment when Minnie Mouse nearly lost her head.

“Having the trim trail here too was also a brilliant idea, as it will encourage people to start running and get active. The first lap was great fun as it got everyone walking round; I personally didn’t realise how far it was,” said Mrs Naylor.

The lap marked the completion of phase one of Barnham’s drive to develop substantial new facilities in the village, which guaranteed the Yapton Road site’s future as public open space.

Mr Richard said: “It was an absolute pleasure to open the facilities, it is a fantastic area.

“What is especially good about its design is that the trim trail is a circle encompassing the whole area, it is a place were athletes of the future can train, and importantly a place that brings the community together.”

After his lap, Mr Richard opened the new high-specification children play area.

As children scrambled around the fun centre there was not a swing, roundabout or seesaw free.

Christopher Law, 39, of Yapton Road said: “We have been waiting for these facilities for a long time, so its great they are here to be enjoyed.”

Among the playground’s equipment is fun and challenging items – such as swings, climbing equipment, a roundabout and seesaw, high towers and a playpad – for young children.

With the serious business completed, visitors could enjoy the range of entertainment and activities which took place, these included an art competition, face-painting, fairground rides and a bouncy castle.