Event to help boost splash pool funds (From Swindon Advertiser)
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Event to help boost splash pool funds
5:30pm Thursday 22nd April 2010 in News
Event to help boost splash pool funds
THE campaign to bring a £750,000 splash pool to Penhill is to benefit from funfair fundraising at St George’s Day celebrations.
Lorna Breslin, of the Sevenfields Splash Park Steering Group, said she hopes to raise £300 from Saturday’s event, which will be held on the site of the old paddling pool.
The day will not only feature rides and activities for youngsters but also an evening disco for adults.
Mrs Breslin, who began a drive for a new pool last summer, said although the campaign has only raised £1,000 so far she thinks something could be in place by 2015.
She said: “I am hoping to see a lot of neighbourly faces at the event. I know many people want to bring a splash pool to Penhill, but to do so we need the help and support of the community.
“People will be able to mingle with lots of community groups and maybe even get involved in some if they so choose.
“We all have great memories of the paddling pool but this is not just about the pool it is also about building a better community.”
She said the group would also like to gain more volunteers to help with the campaign.
Penhill paddling pool was built in the early 1960s and was considered a local institution right up until it was destroyed by fire in 1991. Committee members also want to replace the cafe which for years was next to the pool .
The event is to run from 11am to 5pm and will include a fancy dress competition – based on St George, the dragon and the maiden – along with fun fair rides, the Great Western Youth Band and pool tournaments The adults too will be entertained with a Big Baz disco running from 7pm to 11.30pm.
Tickets for the evening event cost £3 for adults and £1 for children.
All money raised will be split between the splash group and the Penhill Royal British Legion, the two groups that have organised the event.
To find out more email lornabreslin@ hotmail.com or call her on 07500 062679.
The splash group has also attracted 998 members to its Bring Back The Penhill Paddling Pool group on Facebook.
The Engager says...
5:44pm Fri 23 Apr 10
Also can I just say that its not just about the slash park, its about the journey along the way - getting the community engaged and involved in the events, and to help promote the community groups.
We are under no illusions that the splash park will happen over night, and we know that fund raising alone will not go anywhere near the amount of money we need - but what we do need is support, and to raise peoples awareness, and to look into various funding streams.
You never know - one day we may get lucky , but until then, we do what we can .
I hope to see people out enjoying themselves tomorrow : )