New playground a big hit with Biggin kids after village fundraises £50,000

It has taken just over three years of fundraising, but on Friday, May 6, residents of Biggin-by-Hartington joined the village school children, guests from local businesses and organisations and even some visitors from France to officially open the newly restored park.

Biggin Community Project began the campaign in 2013, when it decided that the childrens’ play area was in need of restoration or replacement.

The land was gifted to the children of the village many years ago and since then the project committee has managed and maintained it.

After speaking to residents, the committee took the decision to raise the £50,000 needed to replace the park.

Speaking at the grand opening, committee chair Robert McCurrach said: “Fundraising such a huge amount of money was not easy, but time and time again, local residents put their hands into their pockets and joined in with fundraising events. Our thanks to everyone involved.”

Local businesses including DB Ashbourne, Longcliffe Quarries and Dales Housing made significant donations to the fund.

There were also memorial service contributions from the families of George Heathcote and Eric Page, and grants from Awards 4 All and the Bingham Trust.

The park was officially opened by the eldest and youngest residents of the parish. Mrs Wragg did the honours, watched by the two youngest residents, Grace Allsopp and Ellie Homer.

Then the children of Biggin Primary School and Biggin Pre-School ran into the park and enjoyed testing out the new equipment.