Village play area will be lasting tribute to community champion

New Buckland Brewer play area is unveiled as a lasting legacy for the late David Brown, who sadly never got to see his vision fulfilled

The village of Buckland Brewer has seen a long-held wish become a reality with the official opening of a brand new play area, dedicated to a community champion who helped make it happen.

The new facility at Buckland Brewer Playing Field provides a high-quality recreational space for local children and families with a wide range of exciting new play equipment.

It was officially opened recently and dedicated as a legacy to the late David Brown, who is much missed in the village.

The project was a particular passion for David, a trustee of the Buckland Brewer Playing Field Association (BBPFA), who sadly passed away before he could see the completed play area.

David played an important role in pushing for the development of the facility and his commitment to the playing field and the community will be remembered as people enjoy the new David Brown Playground.

The project has been made possible through funding from The National Lottery, secured following the considerable hard work of BBPFA secretary Lucy Staveley-Brown, together with ‘Section 106’ paid in by developers and applied for by Buckland Brewer Parish Council.

The BBPFA was granted a 199-year lease in 1994 on Buckland Brewer Playing Field, providing the long-term security needed to invest in the site and develop facilities.

David and the committee worked with the parish council to reach an agreement for the equipment to be installed on the playing field.

All involved in the project believe the quality and range of equipment installed had provided a facility that is rarely found elsewhere in North Devon.

Lucy Staveley-Brown said: “This project has been a huge undertaking, but seeing the new play area completed and being enjoyed by local children makes all the hard work worthwhile.

“David was a great supporter of the vision for the playing field and it is particularly poignant that he is not here to see it completed. Naming the play area in his memory is a fitting tribute to his commitment to the community.”

The BBPFA also thanked councillors Hen Staveley-Brown and Philip Ainsworth, chair and vice chair of the parish council, for their dedication and perseverance in bringing this project to fruition.

A parish council spokesperson said: “The new play area represents far more than simply new pieces of equipment.

“It is a long-term investment in the health, wellbeing and future of Buckland Brewer, providing a place where children can play and families can spend time together for generations to come.

“The BBPFA hopes that The David Brown Playground will become a much-loved part of village life and a lasting reminder of David’s vision, dedication and contribution to the community.”