New outdoor bar unveiled at Blunham Playing Fields

Blunham Playing Fields Association has unveiled a new outdoor bar after receiving a timely funding boost from a neighbouring housebuilder.

Linden Homes, which has almost completed work at its adjoining Hastings Gardens development, donated £1,000 towards the project.

The new bar, which has replaced the former barbeque area, opened to members on Friday, May 21.

Blunham Playing Fields – which is located off Barford Road and features a pavilion, cricket pitch and children’s play area – is run by a group of trustees who maintain the facilities on behalf of the community.

Jane How, Chairman of Blunham Playing Fields Association, said: “We really appreciate Linden Homes’ generous contribution that has gone a long way in helping us to build our brand-new bar. It means a lot to us and has allowed us to re-invest in our facilities for the village.

“Last year was a struggle financially, as the expense of maintaining the pavilion and grounds remained the same despite sports clubs being unable to play, so this donation couldn’t have come at a better time.

“We are looking forward to welcoming visitors back and seeing them make the most of the new outdoor bar.”

Samantha Gillingham, Site Manager at Hastings Gardens, said: “We made this donation partly as a thank you to Blunham Playing Fields Association for generously allowing us to use their car park while we finished block paving the site, and also as a parting gift to our residents at Hastings Gardens.

“We are proud to have made this contribution to a valued local facility and hope that our residents and the wider community alike will enjoy the new bar.”

The housebuilder – part of Vistry Group – has delivered 79 homes at Hastings Gardens, where buyers are set to move into the final properties soon.

As part of the planning agreement for the development, Linden Homes has also contributed £25,000 towards outdoor sports in Blunham.