BRATTON Recreation Ground has proudly opened its new garage and “trim trail”.
The new facilities were officially opened on Sunday 12th December by Brigadier Robert Hall, chairman of Wiltshire Council.
The secure garage is now used to house maintenance and sports equipment, replacing the simple metal containers that were previously used.
The “trim trail” is a series of apparatus set up around the edge of the ground, which villagers can use to improve their fitness.
Mike Manson, chair of the Bratton Recreation Committee said, “We’re very pleased with it all. At the moment there’s not too many people going round it – it’s not ideal conditions! – but there were quite a few who went around it at the opening and people have said they’re looking forward to using it.
“Someone I saw the other day had seen it and was amazed that it had all been installed by local people.”
The project was part funded by a Landfill Communities Fund grant of £15,000 from the Hills Group Limited through Community First, the Community Council for Wiltshire.
It is also part funded by a £6,000 grant from The National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund and their Awards for All scheme.
Additional funds were raised by the village itself, with money from the annual quiz night and village fete and from Bratton Cricket Club.
The work on the garage and trail was all undertaken by local companies and volunteers. Local firm TEC Building and Restoration Contractors built the garage. Al Middleton, president of the Bratton Cricket Club, undertook the substantial process of drilling the wood for the trim trail, while Tim Goode and John Drewett of Bratton General Maintainance Services were assisted by members of the village’s “Monday Gang” in installing the trim trail.
The Bratton Recreation Committee has also obtained planning permission in readiness for their longer term aspirations for the ground, which could see the installation of a multi-use games area that could be used for sports including tennis, football and hockey.
Pictured: Carol Southall, Community First; Ken Davis, vice chair of the parish council; Brigadier Robert Hall chairman Wiltshire Council; Mike Manson, chair of Bratton Recreation Committee, David Jenkins, chair of the Westbury Area Board.
