Dorset village officially opens 'transformed' green space
Bernards' Place in Broadwindsor is now ready for community use
A Dorset village has officially opened its transformed village green - following an £85,000 campaign to make improvements for community use.
Broadwindsor residents have come together to protect Bernards' Place, with new play equipment installed.
Local people who've backed the project gathered on Saturday (12th November) to see it being used for the first time.
Andrew Hookings, interim chairman of the Comrades Hall Management Committee, said:
"It was lovely seeing so many children enjoying themselves and having fun.
"It was a real celebration, with people of all ages involved in cutting the ribbon. The village green is a place for everyone, of all ages, to enjoy."
The project to upgrade Bernards' Place has been painstaking, taking more than three years to complete.
It's had support from the National Lottery Community Fund, Dorset Council’s Capital Leverage Fund, Sport England’s Places and Spaces Fund and the FMR Trust, which is administered by Broadwindsor Group Parish Council.
Cash towards it has also come in from a successful Crowdfunder appeal, bringing the total to £85,000.
Andrew Hookings said:
"There has been so much support for this amazing project in such a short time, from children donating their pocket money to residents of sheltered housing giving some of their pension money to our Crowdfunder appeal.
"We also have a fantastic, oak-framed shelter on the green, which was put together by a team of volunteers led by local resident Malcolm Heaver."
The White Lion community pub supported the official opening with manager Kate Staff making a cake for the occasion, donated by a supporter of the Crowdfunder appeal.
Bridport Round Table has also pledged to buy a piece of outdoor gym equipment for the green, to continue its development.