Benhall: Village celebration to mark official opening of ‘vital’ play space

There will be a celebratory atmosphere when villagers mark the official opening of a long awaited community space.

Wood carver Paul Sivell has made a giant whale and mouse for a new play area in Benhall. Money was raised by local group Play in Benhall. Left to right, Grace O'Conner and Maddie Nightingale. - Credit: Archant

The play area on the green in Benhall, near Saxmundham, includes a giant sandpit, tree lookout, earth mound with tunnel, hazel tipis, and a slide.

It also boasts a “hare” seat, carved from Monterey Cypress by Paul Sivell, along with a series of other wooden animals. The area is also being planted with native species and some fruit and nut trees.

To mark the opening, project co-ordinators Play in Benhall have organised an afternoon of events, funded by Suffolk Coastal District Council.

From 4pm to 6.30pm on Friday people can enjoy a hula hoop show, Punch and Judy, art workshops, face painting, wacky races and a “beat the goalie” competition.

Play in Benhall’s Rachel Nightingale said the area was a vital space. “We are very proud of what our village has achieved,” she said.