13th January 2010

CHICKERELL: Half way to their playground target in just three months

By Harry Walton

HARD work has seen a Chickerell group raise nearly half its £8,000 target for a new playground in barely three months.

The overall cost of the playground is likely to be around £80,000 and the Chickerell@Play community playground group has been asked to raise ten per cent of that figure.

Many fundraising events were held over the Christmas period and among cash raised was £100 in donations from the Townswomen’s Guild, £500 from the sale of Chickerell 2010 calendars, badges and keyrings, £420 from a festive float and carols event and £112 from a collection at the St Mary’s Church crib service.

The group’s next big fundraising event is A Bit of a Posh Do which will be held at the Willowbed Hall on Saturday, January 23rd from 7.30pm.

Tickets, which are selling out fast, cost £12.50 and are available from the Chickerell Town Council offices.

There will be dancing to Shooter, a buffet, a cash bar and lots of fun and games.

Fundraising group founder Julie Cleaver said: “The support from the local community, school and council has been amazing.

“After a hectic Christmas season, the people of Chickerell are really looking forward to letting their hair down at the Posh Do. It’s going to be a good night!”

PICTURE: CHICKERELL COMMUNITY PULLING TOGETHER - The Christmas float raised £420 towards the cost of a new playground