Photograph by Nathalie Roberts.
From Left to Right: Ross Heaver & Anthony Claiden from Bridport Round Table, Suzy Edgerley, Morgan Napier, Malcolm Heaver, Sophie Sinton, Chris Edgerley, Jill Maguire, Alice Bagg from Magna and new Chair of the Comrades Hall, Megan Jones.
Broadwindsor’s revamped Bernards’ Place has been enhanced by three new pieces of adult exercise equipment: the air skier, double air walker and rider have been installed in the heart of the village.
They complement challenging new play equipment and an oak-framed shelter which was put in last year by the Comrades Hall Committee after a major fund-raising campaign to transform the village green.
Two pieces of equipment were funded by locally-based Magna Housing Association and Bridport Round Table.
Megan Jones, Chair of the Comrades Hall Committee, said: ‘We’re extremely grateful to Magna and the Round Table for the sponsorship of the adult exercise equipment. It has added a new, inclusive dimension to Bernards’ Place.
‘Families are enjoying time together, exercising, playing and having fun. In these tougher financial times, having a free safe area for activities in the centre of the village is a big plus. It is so important to promote healthy options for all age groups.’
Ross Heaver, from Bridport Round Table, was brought up in the village. His father, Malcolm, led a team of volunteers who put together the shelter on the green.
Ross said: ‘It’s been an absolute pleasure to have been able to donate the funds for the outside Air Skier on Broadwindsor village green. Having grown up in the village it’s amazing to see such a high level of support from the local community, businesses and charities alike. Bernards’ Place is such an amazing spot for all to enjoy.’
Alice Bagg, Magna Head of Customer Experience and Home Services, said: ‘We’re really pleased to be able to partly fund the new exercise equipment in Broadwindsor and proud to support people in local communities where our customers live to be active, healthy and enjoy time outdoors.’
The gym equipment has been placed in between the new play area and the newly-opened up space at the bottom of the green, which is ideal for picnics and community events.
The Hall committee’s Village Green project received financial support from the National Lottery, Sport England, Dorset Council, Broadwindsor Group Parish Council, fundraising and donations from local people through a successful Crowdfunder campaign.
Said Megan: ‘It’s made a big difference to the heart of the village and we are so grateful to all those who have helped us create such a lovely space for everyone to use.’
