CHILDREN left devastated after hundreds of pounds of vital play equipment was stolen from a popular farm are smiling again after a city community group stepped in to help.
After reading our article last week about the theft at Top Barn Farm in Holt Heath, members of Worcester Round Table got in touch with The Standard and said they wanted to replace it.
Our story reported how youngsters from the Bonterre Project, which aims to rehabilitate and educate children who struggle in mainstream schools, felt ‘gutted’ after a multi-purpose climbing frame and other equipment, worth about £450, was taken at the end of last month.
Paul Valentine, Worcester Round Table vice-chairman, said as soon as they read about how upset the children were they wanted to help.
“I think the fact that it was small children affected really hit home,” he said.
“Certainly, me and my colleagues wanted to do something about it, particularly with the amount in question.
“The Worcester Round Table is often able to help individuals and organisations, such as the Bonterre Project, with financial support from annual fund-raising activities and resources from the tabler’s themselves.”
The Round Table holds numerous events throughout the year including its popular Bonfire Night at Pitchcroft, and the Victorian Fayre chestnut stand, in the run up to Christmas, and uses the money raised to pump back into the community.
Mike Stringer, Bonterre project manager, said he was overwhelmed by the gesture as the play equipment was also used by his own children.
“I am just blown away by the generosity and the kindness shown by Worcester Round Table,” he said. “I didn’t have any expectation that this would happen at all.
“I want to place on record my sincere heartfelt thanks from me and my children, who will be absolutely delighted, and the future people who will come in and use the facilities as well.”
Standard readers can help with Worcester Round Table’s fund-raising efforts by coming along to their Bonfire Night at Pitchcroft on Saturday, November 2 at 5pm.
