A NEWLY refurbished play area at Wheddon Cross has been given the seal of approval by some old friends of the village. Former Rest and Be Thankful pub landlords Joan Hockin and Mike Weaver were invited back to their old stomping ground to carry out the official unveiling of the upgraded play equipment last Saturday. The couple left the area last year after 20 years behind the pub bar but with family still living in the area continue to take a keen interest in local events. Organisers chose fete day to celebrate £5,500 of new equipment, including swings for young and older children, a sit-in spring mobile for the under- fives and the installation of safety surfacing and fencing. The bulk of the funds came from Living Spaces, an initiative which is funded by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and which provides financial support to help community groups make the most of opens spaces, village greens and parks in their neighbourhood. The organisation's £5,000 grant was topped up by individual donations and a contribution from the Exmoor Trust. Enid Mantin, secretary of the Moorland Hall and Recreation Ground, said the play area was very well used by local and visiting youngsters. "Wheddon Cross is quite isolated and we draw children from a fairly wide area. It's marvellous to have the play equipment meeting all the new safety requirements." Youngster Ellie Redford is pictured test driving some of the new equipment, watched by Joan Hockin and Mike Weaver. Photo: Steve Guscott
