Wheatfield Primary School formally unveiled its new play equipment and multi-use games area (MUGA) on Friday 11th October. Despite the rain, children, families and staff came out to watch the mayor of Bradley Stoke, Cllr Tom Aditya, cut the ribbon to officially open the facilities.
The MUGA will allow children to use the school’s outdoor space throughout the winter months for sporting activities such as football, netball and dodgeball. The new play equipment includes rope walks and a miniature climbing wall, encouraging the children to develop a range of skills.
The redevelopment of the Key Stage 2 playground and installation of the MUGA was possible after the school, in conjunction with the Friends of Wheatfield Primary School, raised over £20,000 across the last academic year in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the school’s opening.
This was done through a variety of fundraising events throughout the year, including movie nights, school discos and quiz nights. Families and local businesses were also able to sponsor a brick as part of a legacy pathway being built within the school.
The school came very close to winning the Aviva Community Fund challenge back in November last year. Despite overwhelmingly receiving the highest number of votes in its category, the Aviva selection panel unfortunately decided on another project, although the school was still awarded £500 as a finalist. However, this didn’t slow the fundraising efforts down, with the Marathon Boys’ amazing contribution and the culmination of the year’s fundraising being Wheatfest, held in July, which raised a staggering £6,000.
Headteacher Phil Winterburn said:
“I am enormously proud of the effort and commitment, on behalf of so many people, which has helped to deliver this project. Our children and community now have the facilities they deserve – a fitting way to mark twenty years of Wheatfield Primary School. I would like to extend my thanks to the families, children, staff and sponsors whose support was exceptional. A special thank you to our Friends group who excelled in their fundraising efforts – £20k for 20 years!’
Photos: 1 Mayor Tom Aditya cuts a ceremonial ribbon to officially open the new play equipment. [View hi-res on Facebook; Google; Flickr] 2 Legacy pathway leading to the new MUGA. 3 The new MUGA close up.
This article originally appeared in the November/December 2019 issue of the Bradley Stoke Journal magazine (on page 7). The magazine is delivered FREE, EVERY MONTH (except August), to ALL 8,700 homes in Bradley Stoke. Phone 01454 300 400 to enquire about advertising or leaflet insertion.
