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Introducing...The Stondon Recreation Association!

First off - a hearty welcome to this Website, which we all really hope will become a vital and invaluable asset for the village of Stondon, it's residents, and it's visitors now and in the future. An especially warm welcome to this, our own page, where we will try and give you a flavour of who we are, what we are about, and where we are going.

This is our old logo - how boring is that? As part of our preparation to meet the recreational needs of all in our rapidly expanding village, we are looking to revamp this as a sign that we can adapt and change with the times.

But before we look to the future - where did we come from..? No don't click onto another page! This is not going to be a tedious old history lesson, just a brief step back over the years.

It all kicked off in 1956 when some concerned parents in the new Mayfield Crescent area got together with the aim of having quality play facilities built. They became the Mayfield Crescent Tenants Association and through much hard work and fundraising, and a generous benefactor, the land that is now our Fakeswell Lane Play Area was bought on 14th August 1958. After much work on clearing, fencing and grass seeding the Grand Opening was performed by the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire on 4th June 1960.

Play equipment was bought, and management of the site was handed to the Mayfield Playground Management Committee. Eventually, in 1978, the Stondon Recreation Association took the site over to add to the Station Road site it already owned and this meant the two (then) main Play Areas of the village were run by the same body.

Bored yet? OK, to keep you interested here are some pictures of how the Fakeswell Lane site looks now.

Looks good doesn't it? But this is all a result of some really hard grafting by the Fakeswell Lane sub-committee - they have cleared the ground of stubborn undergrowth, picked up litter, planted shrubs and organised the mending of the fence. As in 1956, this is a brilliant example of what a small determined group of residents (here along with SRA Committee members) can achieve if they have the will and the enthusiasm.

But it does not stop here - absolutely not. The SRA is still putting as great deal of work in on this site, and we are currently closing a major deal to completely revamp the Play Area with loads of brand new equipment to keep the local children amused, occupied and exercised. The SRA hope this work will begin very soon, and we really want the new look site to be something of lasting value and pride for the village.

Our biggest site is the Recreation Field just off Hillside Road (the road that also goes past the Lower School and the Village Hall). This fantastic facility was obtained by the SRA under an Agreement some years ago between a developer and two local landowners. The site was officially opened on 20th April 2002 and has been a superb asset for the village ever since.

It boasts a brilliant Play Area for children of all ages, with all the usual swings & slides, plus things to climb up, on or over, things to go round on and there is also a full size basketball hoop.

We even have a Teen Shelter for those that just want to watch the world go by...

The whole Play Area is completely fenced off for safety, and we have banned dogs from the main Area for the further safety of all children using the site. Dog walkers can still use the rest of the field, we just ask that everyone takes any waste away with them or uses the correct bins provided.

We have annual inspections of all our sites by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, and pride ourselves on moving quickly to deal with any hazards arising. The SRA also carries full Public Liability Insurance for all our sites.

The main field has until only very recently been used by local youth football teams, and for years we have staged Village Fetes and Fun days on the site - and these events have involved many of the other Groups and Associations that exist in Stondon.

In particular we have always had close ties with the Lower School, and we are looking forward to continuing and improving on this in the future, as we can be of great mutual help when organising events like Easter Treasure Hunts and Sports Days

Access to the field is via The Pastures off Hillside Road and through the gates (height restrictor in place for vehicles) and there is ample parking available. Events are being planned now for the summer, so keep this Website as a favourite and check in regularly.

Our final site is located just off Station Road, and at present is simply a grassed area. We have now planted a hedging perimeter, and are considering what to do now - we may still consider more fundraising for equipment there, or leave it as an open area. What do you think? Have you any good ideas? Email us and let us know. Meanwhile, watch this space...

So where are all these sites within the village? Here's a map to help you find them!

As you can see, all are within easy reach. The Pollards Way site is not managed by the Stondon Recreation Association - but we are showing this for completeness.

The SRA is a vibrant, enthusiastic and hard working body that really cares about our village, and providing recreational and sports facilities for all. We work closely with the Parish Council, and have close links to the other Associations & Groups within Stondon like the Stondon Stompers, Village Hall and Friends of All Saints Church. We have a fairly small committee and are always on the lookout for keen, new members willing to pitch in - so please get in touch if you are interested.

We try and organise fundraising events throughout the year, like the Fireworks Night, pictured here, in conjunction with the Golf Club. The SRA hopes this brief look at who we are and what we do has given you a better idea of what Stondon has to offer, we hope you can support us by coming along to our events, and use the village facilities to the full.

Chris Brooks Chair, Stondon Recreation Association