TRESILLIAN PLAYING FIELD 2018
HELP NEEDED-THIS IS NOT A HOAX OR AN EMPTY THREAT !!
20 years ago a committee was formed to manage and create what became ‘The Playing Field’. During the early days we had a number of very practical committee members who undertook the establishment of the Playing Field as we now know it. Fencing was erected and the football pitch cut in. Next came the purchase of the play equipment and swings appeared, as well as the climbing frame and slide. More recently the springers and see-saw arrived.
None of this happened by chance. Funds were raised by ‘Raft Races’, ‘Football Tournaments’, ‘raffles’ and bequests but this could only be achieved via a committee who shared ideas and skills.
Over the last 10 years we have found the committee to be depleted due to various reasons and have muddled on without a proper committee. Most of the practical work has fallen to Andrew Tullet and his lawnmower-volunteer John Ellicott who have both done a sterling job of maintaining the field. I have continued to manage the finances but for health reasons I need to retire. We have managed financially due to donations from the ‘Bonus Ball’ at the Wheel Inn and I offer due thanks to Simon for managing that lifeline in such a tremendous fashion.
The simple fact is, that this situation has to be rectified. Unless the Committee is reformed and the proper management is re-established ‘the Playing Field’ will be unsustainable as an entity and have to be closed. Trust me, this is not an empty threat!
I heard a comment recently regarding The Playing Field. “It don’t affect me, I got no kids!” As a villager it does affect You! It’s Your Playing Field and so much more. It’s a Football Pitch, A Memorial Garden, A Picnic Area, A great Community Space. It includes a nice and safe route to and from the shops from Lower Park and Fairfax and when required, a Quiet Place for Contemplation. It’s also a buffer to the noise of the main road. It’s actually ‘The Heart of The Village’ our own ‘Village Green’ and it’s easy to manage if you’re organised. Won’t you give up a little of your time to help run this amenity. There are 800 people in this village. We need just 6 people to take over the committee. Surely it’s not too much to ask.
To coin a phrase the Playing Field is rapidly becoming ‘A Ship Without a Sail’.
So – A Simple choice:-
DO WE WANT A PLAYING FIELD/AMENITY IN THE VILLAGE?
If NO :- The PLAYING FIELD WILL HAVE TO CLOSE!!
If YES :- A few of you have to come forward and OFFER your support to re-form the committee. The time to say “Leave it to someone else” is over. ‘The Playing Field Committee must be reformed’. If it is not, it is in breach of its constitution and must be closed. Now it’s time for some fresh ideas and volunteers to help out down there to keep it operating.
In essence the committee simply need to ensure routine maintenance is undertaken, consider fund raising opportunities, generally look after the field and ensure that accounts and public Liability insurance are in order. It is not an onerous job !!
Do you use the playing field? Can you offer to give up a little of your time? Working with Andrew and John, the new committee and volunteers will assist in ongoing maintenance and think of fundraising ideas. It could all be done with minimum effort. In fact realistically, maintenance would be easy enough and then fundraising and development could come to the fore.
A New Playing Field Management Committee needs to be formed with a new Chairperson, Vice- Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer and possibly 2 or 3 Committee members. Will YOU help?
Andrew, Christine, Graham and myself are willing to guide the committee forward but it needs new members and new enthusiasm. Maintaining and developing this facility can be great fun and should mean that the field is kept in good order and even improved. There is also the fact that, from October to April very little needs to be done down at the field so it really is only a summer commitment.
On a personal note I must say that, when I first discussed the situation with Graham Ellis I could not believe that it was 20 years ago that we revived The Playing Field Committee. Initially it was a case of blood sweat and tears but always with a considerable dollop of laughter and I am so proud to have been part of what we have here today.
As with all these things there comes a time to say enough is enough and now someone else must take up the reins. It doesn’t need to be a parent; anyone can help to keep things rolling along. I always called it ‘The Village Amenity project and I’m proud to say that it is just that.
It would break my heart if it had to be cleared and everything sold off but we’ve done our bit, now it’s………….
UP TO YOU !!
Are YOU willing to HELP keep this important facility in the village?
THE COUNCIL WILL NOT ADOPT IT! IT WILL DISSAPPEAR!
A PUBLIC MEETING WILL BE HELD
On Wednesday 28th March 7.30pm
At Tresillian Methodist Chapel Schoolroom
To Discuss :- The Future Of The Playing Field Committee
Everyone Welcome – Please Help
Contact if required:- Mike Gregory, e’mail msgregory@live.co.uk 07816 847355.
30 Polsue Way Tresillian.