Tall Trees backs Ilchester playground project

CHILDREN are to benefit from a donation of £500 presented to Ilchester Community Primary School by Tall Trees Community Centre towards a new playground.

Lt Cdr Pamela Breech, of RNAS Yeovilton, and Sally Crawford, the community development worker, presented a cheque to Nick Arnold, the deputy head of Ilchester Primary School, and Friends of Ilchester School chairman Matt Goodwin, as well as the children who helped design the project.  The money was committed to the development of their new agility playground.

Mr Arnold approached Sally Crawford from the Tall Trees Community Centre and asked if their committee would make a donation toward the school’s new playground.

And Sally, who manages Tall Trees which provides support to service personnel and their families, said:  “Based between the Ilchester Junior and Infant sites, Tall Trees Community Centre is at the heart of the service community and plays an integral part to all families, young people and children living in the immediate area.

''Currently, Ilchester Primary School has approximately 65% of their children from service families. The funds that we are able to generate from Tall Trees Community Centre are to be used effectively to support our military families. Children can now play safely in their new playground.”

Mr Arnold added: “From the initial stage, we worked with a group of children who helped me to design the ‘ability-based’ equipment, with some specific items to enable all children to access it. We are proud we have been able to make their wish list a reality.

''It has been specifically designed for children aged between 7-11 years. With wonderful and generous donations from Tall Trees committee and from Ilchester Relief In Need Educational Charity, we have been able to ensure all year round use of our playground which encourages fitness, agility, confidence, teamwork and fun with the children.

''Our ongoing community links continue to improve and we are looking at further ways to enhance our vision.''

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