Support for providers of Rural Play
In 2007/08, BRCC were involved in a Rural Action East regional project undertaking research and providing support to providers of play spaces in rural areas. For full access to information, advice, guidance notes and leaflets regarding all aspects of managing community owned play spaces and playing fields, please visit the Projects pages at: www.RuralActionEast.org.ukBedfordshire Playing Fields Association
In the beginning...
75 years ago, in May 1927, Bedfordshire Playing Fields Association was inaugurated. Over the years the work of the Association has always concentrated on supporting people who are involved in the provision and/or maintenance of sporting/recreational activities.What we do now...
In 2002, as a 75th anniversary project and to commemorate Her Majesty The Queen's Golden Jubilee,
The Jubilee Play Centre at Old Warden Park, Bedfordshire was officially opened by HRH Duke of Edinburgh KG KT on 22 May. The site consists of nine areas each with a different play manufacturers equipment. Currently on site are Kompan, Lappset, Hags, SMP, Record and Playdale. We have another company coming on board in September and the two remaining sites are being sought by several manufacturers of play equipment.
We hope that this project will not only further the objects of BPFA but will also offer many people the opportunity of learning about the legislative requirements involved in managing a play area, demonstrate good practice and be a first class training facility.
The huge bonus of the project is that children are able to use a safe, modern, first class play area.
What does membership offer...
Sport and recreation are so important to many people, both young and old. Throughout Bedfordshire people give their time freely to look after and to develop playing fields in the county's towns and villages in order that sports such as cricket, football and bowls can be enjoyed and so that children can benefit from safe play areas and equipment. Since HRH The Duke of Edinburgh KG KT, opened the unique Childrens Play Research & Resource Centre (Jubilee Play Centre) in Old Warden Park on 22 May 2002 BPFA and the manufacturers have organised training events which have all been very successful.The volunteers who manage playing fields will find times when they need advice and help – information about grants; companies which provide good, safe play equipment; the benefits of charitable status and how to obtain it; the impacts of legislative changes or how to combat problems such as vandalism or thoughtless dog owners ...... the list is endless.
Bedfordshire Playing Fields Association (BPFA) was established to encourage the development and protection of playing fields throughout the county and, as part of that remit, provides an advisory service which covers the issues listed above. Affiliated to the National Playing Fields Association, BPFA offers the following services to its members:
- Loans of up to £5,000 to assist with the development of playing fields throughout the county
- A quarterly news-sheet (The Playing Field) which keeps members up to date with the latest information
- Access to an Honorary Technical Adviser (a replacement currently being sought) who will visit member groups, free of charge, to offer advice and help on a variety of topics such as provision of children's play equipment and safety issues
- An advisory service on topics such as grants, charitable status and its benefits and much more
- Information sheets on various relevant topics (strictly available to Members only!)
- Training events on relevant topics
- An opportunity to enter an annual award scheme – the Ashley Watkins trophy – for cash prizes (click here for more details).
MINIMUM membership fees are as follows:
- Individuals £5
- Voluntary Organisations and Sports Clubs £20
- Parishes up to 2,000 population £20
- Parishes from 2,000–5,000 population £25
- Town Councils £50
- Local Authorities (minimum) £250
Donations above these sums are gratefully accepted
For further information contact Sue Norman on 01234 832614 or email suen@bedsrcc.org.ukCharity Registration No 300088
Affiliated to the National Playing Fields Association
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