Farringdon School Playground may be the smallest, nearest charity to you, and perhaps it’s one you’ve never heard of. As its Trustees, we are happy to say it is in good health.

Who we are

When the village school serving Newton Valence, Lower and Upper Farringdon closed in 1987 due to falling numbers its playground was left as an asset. This 1.4 acre field behind the old school at Massey’s Folley in Upper Farringdon is owned by Hampshire County Council. It is run by a charity tasked with licensing the former playground each year for grazing.

What we do

With such a small asset the charity doesn’t make a lot of money, about £600 a year. This is managed by five trustees to help young people locally with educational interests such as language lessons, sports tours, music and swimming coaching. The brief is to benefit anyone up to the age of 25 living in these villages. 

How it works

If you’re interested in receiving a grant let us know, we’ll ask you to fill out a very short form to help the trustees choose suitable applicants. All applications and grants are Strictly Confidential and are up to a maximum of £250 each. Funds are limited and grants are offered on the merits of the application, on a first come first served basis.

Trustees

If you want more details or a form contact the trustees, Nadine Farris, Marianne Prynne, Mark Kemp-Gee or Jeremy Cowan.

 

Finally, following a recent retirement, we’re looking for a fifth Trustee, to meet twice a year. We’re a friendly team, talk to us if you’re interested in supporting young people in the area. We’d love to hear from you. Report by Jeremy Cowan, chairman of Farringdon School Playground charity. [email protected]