Story Glade Quiet Space: In planning the different areas of the new Hadleigh Park play area we took care to provide discrete areas of play for toddlers and older children and a more natural area which will be opened up once the grass seed on the bunds has taken hold. All of these areas are accessible and have equipment that less able children and wheelchair users can enjoy. We were confident the park would be a great success and it has been attracting large numbers of children along with their carers from around the area leading to what is often a busy and tumultuous environment. Some children can become overwhelmed in such environments and need a quiet and safe place to sit calmly whilst they re-balance their senses. We are pleased to be able to announce the opening of the Story Glade in the copse across from the playground to provide such an environment. Within the glade we have positioned two log benches which are sheltered by the copse and ideal for children to sit and recharge after enjoying the park.

To gain the maximum benefit from the area we have also added a lectern carrying a QR code which carers can scan using their smart phone to access a number of short, narrated stories which we have placed on the council website. All users have to do is point their camera at the QR code and select the link to go to the website. Once the page loads a story can be chosen and played through the smart phone’s loudspeaker. The space also provides an ideal outside space for organised toddler groups to sit and listen to woodland stories.

We would ask that the purpose of this space is respected, and it is not used for picnics or other activities which might remove it from the use of others in need for significant periods of time. If you would like to check the stories out simply scan the QR code on the Lecturn or click HERE

Orienteering/ Nature trail: A number of councillors have been working over the summer with colleagues from a local orienteering club who have established orienteering courses at Sherwood Pines, Sherwood Forest and other local sites. Our aim is to establish an orienteering course which will run across Hadleigh Park, Reynolds Field, The Acres and the Millenium Woods. We are looking forward to the point at which we can launch this exciting new facility in the village.

Boules: It is important that facilities within the village cater for all age groups and with that in mind the council have agreed a proposal to site two boules throws on Reynolds Field. These will be available for casual use but to enable people to secure a throw in advance of travelling to the

facility we are working to build a self-administering booking system to allow residents to book either throw. If they prove popular further developments could involve associated picnic tables to give groups and families a great opportunity to participate in active socialising within the village boundaries.