News Release
Date: 27th May 2015
Swinging into action - Fun on the field celebrates launch of play area
New play equipment officially swung into action on Wednesday 27th May - a day of celebration in Penrith
when the Milton Street Play area was officially opened. A group of Penrith residents came together with
Eden Housing Association (EHA) and Inspira to make a difference to the Milton Street Play area in the
town. They set up the ‘Fun on the Field’ committee which raised £44,000 to improve the play equipment
and area for youngsters. The eight new pieces of equipment have been installed and the school holiday
created the perfect opportunity to mark the official launch.
It was three years ago (2012) that Eden Housing Association Community Development Officer Jenny
Webb and Inspira led some outreach youth sessions in the Raiselands Croft area of Penrith. It was clear
they were keen to see the Milton Street Play Area and field facilities improved. It was a catalyst, leading
to the formation of the ‘Fun on the Field’ group which has been working with EHA and Inspira youth
workers ever since.
The Fun on the Field committee consists of Chair Karen Hunter, Treasurer Linda Jackson, and
youngsters Thomas Dixon, Billy Potts, Alicia Walton, Shane Sinkinson and Sam & Joseph Lee - all of
whom showed real commitment to the project, researching other local parks and encouraging community
participation as well as consulting and sourcing funders.
The Fun on the Field group raised the £44,000 to invest in 8 new pieces of equipment including a zip
wire, spinning swing, group swing and a toddler slide. The equipment was installed in April and the play
area has been full of families and young people enjoying the rejuvenated community facilities ever since.
At the opening ceremony John Clasper Managing Director of Eden Housing Association said “This project
is a great example of people doing things for themselves, it is also a great example of working in
partnership. Not only has the project delivered better play facilities for local children, it has also
encouraged a greater feeling of community spirit on the estate. The Fun on the Field committee have
done a fantastic job and all deserve an immense amount of credit for their efforts. I would just like to give
a special mention to the young lads, Thomas Dixon and Billy Potts who, as a result of their efforts, have
achieved an ‘Open Award’ in volunteering courtesy of Inspira.
“Karen Hunter and Linda Jackson also asked me to thank Jenny Webb for her hard work and dedication –
this was Jenny’s first project when she joined our Community Development team and it has been a joy to
see her grow and develop alongside this successful project.”
In his first official duty as the new Chairman of Eden District Council, Mike Tonkin was also full of praise
for the committee’s efforts and congratulated the group on what they had achieved.
Cumbria County Councillor Hillary Carrick was pleased to see the play area being well used and
commented "I'm delighted to have been able to contribute to the delivery of this innovative, community led
initiative. This valuable project, shaped by young people, has created a unique facility that will be
enjoyed by the local community for many years to come."
Jenny Webb, EHA Community Development Officer said “Our Fun on the Field committee worked hard to
secure finance from six different sources, without this amalgamation of funds and support, we wouldn’t be
seeing so many youngsters enjoying the fresh air and outdoor play equipment in the school holidays:
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£14,000 from Cumbria County Council’s Eden Local Committee including £7,000 from Councillor
Hillary Carrick’s Local Members Scheme
£12,000 from Cumbria Waste Management Environment Trust
£10,000 from Eden Community Fund
£4,326 Cumbria Housing Partners Sense of Place Fund
£4,000 from Eden Housing Association
£250 Cumbria Constabulary property fund”
As the Milton Street play area sits on Eden District Council land, Eden District Council will also be
providing insurance and ongoing maintenance which includes painting the original equipment this
summer.
Reflecting on the day, Ron Richardson from Inspira said “The project has brought residents together and
we hope that it will be a springboard for the resident group and the community.” Now completed, Eden
Housing Association, the Police and Inspira will continue to work with the local community, growing
community ownership and pride in their area.”
For more information about this project contact Jenny Webb, Eden Housing Association’s Community
Development Officer on 01768 861400 or email [email protected]
---ENDS--Pictures:
Young people enjoying the play area with (adults left to right) Nichola Jackson, Area Manager Inspira,
Cumbria County Councillor Hillary Carrick, EHA Community Development Officer Jenny Webb, Chairman
Eden District Council Mike Tonkin, Chair Penrith Town Council David Whipp, Professional Advisor Inspira
Ron Richardson, Eden District Councillor Robin Howse, MD Eden Housing Association MD John Clasper,
PCSO Natalie Latham. Front cutting ribbon Karen Hunter and Linda Jackson
Picture 2: Young people with Karen Hunter and Linda Jackson, John Clasper and Ron Richardson
Official Attendees:
 John Clasper, MD Eden Housing Association (EHA)
 Jenny Webb, Community Development Officer EHA
 Mike Tonkin, Chairman, Eden District Council
 Ron Richardson, Skills and Development Advisor, Inspira
 Nichola Jackson, Area Manager, Inspira
 Cllr Hillary Carrick, Cumbria County Councillor
 Cllr Robin Howse, Eden District Councillor
 PCSO Natalie Latham
 Tracey Moran, Area Engagement Officer, Cumbria County Council
 David Whipp – Chair Penrith Town Council
 Jennifer Glassford, Housing Officer, EHA
Contact details For more information about this press release or for pictures contact Tracey Errington on:
07799 640 290 or email [email protected]