About the Backwell Playing Fields Charity
The Backwell Playing Fields are the 'jewel in the centre of Backwell' to quote one resident. However the Backwell Playing Fields Charity is self funding and voluntary. Unpaid Trustees manage the 17 acres [2.8ha] that were given to the village by the Robinson family in 1929. The only incomes it receives are from the 7 clubs [tenants], whose rents are very low for both historic and charitable reasons, and grants and donations towards specific projects. This revenue is almost entirely spent on maintenance of the Fields - i.e. grass cutting, dog bins, litter collection, car parks etc.
For these reasons the Fields, their infrastructure and the facilities for general public use somewhat deteriorated. But, in 2005, the Trustees drew up an ambitious long term plan to generally upgrade the 'Fields' and, most importantly, encourage a much greater use of them by a wide range of people - disabled, children, elderly, informal groups etc. The first part of this plan was to eradicate the vandalism and motorised intimidation and to put a footpath across the land to join the two sides of the Village. These works we completed to considerable acclaim in 6 months by September 2005.
The grants & donations we seek are for the next stage - to create one Children's Play Area from the two existing sites plus some new equipment. Enclosed in a safe environment, by a child and dog proof fence, the contractually quoted cost is just over £50,000. Attached is a true drawing produced by the contractor for the planned works. The Yansec grant will allow us to commence work and install the first piece of play equipment - the item circled in the enclosed drawing.
Stage 3 - Long Term over the next 2 - 3 years - is to complete the above and install a Multi Use all weather Court with public toilets and additional facilities for other leisure activities. The West Town Road play area will be turned into a picnic area; possibly with a tea room serviced by one of the 3 clubs at that end.
We also want to encourage a diverse range of interests in flora and fauna e.g. bird boxes for the local infants school; hedge laying competitions where we might need such works; or outdoor studies for the Junior school.
The Fields are the 'jewel in the centre of Backwell' - please help us to keep them that way.