Molly's Field (Empingham Playing Field).
In the interests of our children's health and of preserving a space fit for use, please note that dogs are not allowed on Molly's Field.
Over the last seventy years, finding a place for a playing field in the village has been often attempted, but without success. The need for a playing field was again identified in a survey, carried out in 2000 as part of a Village Appraisal, in which it came high on a list of priorities. It was clear to the Parish Council that the majority of villagers would support the necessary fund-raising activities and it decided to set up and maintain a playing field.
Mr Dick Weed, a local landowner, agreed to lease a field on Loves Lane to the council. The council negotiated with Spire Homes (the Housing Association who had purchased the other half of the field for the affordable housing) who agreed to provide and erect fencing. Half of the cost of the main gate, designed by the council working group, was donated by Mr. John Partridge.
In June 2007 Molly’s Field, named in memory of Mr. Weed’s late wife, was opened and a new working group, comprising two parish councilors, two parents, and two young people, was set up to raise funds.
Fund-raising activities.
The Working group has been very successful in raising funds, most of the money raised coming from grants:
Awards for All Lottery Grant. £10,000
Youth Opportunity Board (2 separate grants) £10,000
The Cory Environmental Trust £5,000
Welland Community Pot £5,000
Local Businesses also made donations:
Hanson Cement, Ketton £1,000
Land’s End, Oakham £200
Rutland Plastics, Oakham £50
A further £3,000 was raised locally through private donations, and activities such as a Sausage & Mash Supper, coffee mornings, cakes, book & bric-a-brac sales, quizzes, collecting ‘20p’s in Smartie tubes’, raffles, car washes and carol singing. The total cost of the equipment and installation to date is £36,000.
Facilities.
The funds raised have gone toward the purchase and installation of a Multi-Goal Area, swings for both children and toddlers, a Multi-climbing frame (including a Slide), and a ‘Supernova’, a fast or slow moving roundabout suitable for toddlers and their parents, and great fun for older children and teens.
Maintenance.
The Parish Council are committed to maintaining the Playing Field. The grass is cut regularly and the playing field and play equipment are inspected weekly. An annual Health and Safety check is carried out. If anyone has a concern about the condition of the field or the equipment please inform the council by using the Fault Reporting Form on this website.
Future development.
We have reached the 3rd phase of fund-raising in which we hope to raise enough to purchase benches, a Teen-shelter to be placed near the Multi-Goal area, and some equipment for very small children. Any donations will be gratefully received and publicly acknowledged. For further information please contact the Clerk to Council at contact@empinghamcouncil.org.uk .
