With the help of several grants, donations and Manton Parish Council, we are nearly there, but… we still need one final push!

Over recent years, Manton has welcomed several new families with younger children. There are 28 children under 10 in the village who will benefit tremendously from having somewhere local to play (and get away from screens).

Enjoying the outdoors, playing and being active has enormous benefits for both the physical and mental health of young children.

Unfortunately, the current playground equipment is no longer safe and has now been condemned, so our village has lost the benefit of this valuable amenity. We would love to renew the playground to allow our children to continue to learn through play in a healthy environment.

Playing outdoors allows children to develop self-confidence, independence and self-esteem. Kids also become aware of limits, boundaries and challenge in their play. When children are used to playing outdoors, they are more likely to:

- try new activities

- engage with others

- solve problems

- explore the natural environment

- make friends

- show resilience

Not to mention that Manton is a village that prides itself in offering plenty of opportunities for socialising and creating a community. We strongly believe the playground can help support our younger residents and create a social space for families.

In order to make this all happen, £15,000 still needs to be raised. With our current budget we can secure 5 items for the playground. (We were surprised too - a new playground is expensive!) However, we cannot stretch to the removal of existing equipment, ground levelling, secure fencing, trees for shade or extra equipment the children would like such as a high slide or trampoline.

With your help, though, we are sure we can achieve it! Please give as little or as much as you can. Every donation counts.

What if I cannot donate right now?

Don't worry! We will also be hosting an "Auction of Promises" event soon and we will update the page with dates and more information so you can plan what you want and save up!

Our kind donors and grants so far:

- The Augean Community Fund: £34,212 (committed to the purchase and installation of playground items that have already been agreed)

- The National Lottery Community Fund: £8,470

- CS Ellis Group: £1,000

- Florence Turner Trust: £750

- Maud Elkington Trust: £1,500

- Anne, Mark and Corry Taylor (Manton residents): £1,000

Total £46,932

This is brilliant, BUT, as mentioned above, we still need to fund the removal of existing equipment, ground levelling, secure fencing, trees for shade or extra equipment such as a high slide or a trampoline.

THANK YOU.