Stocksfield.org - The website of Broomley & Stocksfield Parish Council

Stocksfield play facilities - Branch End Play Area

New toddler area at Branch End officially opened.

Diane Hinchcliffe cuts the ribbon to officially open the brand new toddler's play area at Branch End.

This super new toddler area, opened on Saturday 21st October 2006, is Phase One of the regeneration of Branch End Play Area. Judging by the number of toddlers who attended the opening, it looks like this new equipment is a hit!

A regeneration group, which consists of only four residents, has been supported by the Parish Council. Thanks to the efforts of these four residents, and to the efforts of Anne Davison of the Parish council, these excellent facilities for toddlers in Stocksfield are now available.

To complete the regeneration of the play area, phase 2, the regeneration group needs to raise a further £50,000. The sooner we raise the money, the sooner more up-to-date equipment for older children can be purchased and installed.

Photos, from top down: 1&2: Diane Hinchcliffe (Chair), Ros Craigen (Treasurer), Anne Davison (Parish Council), Charlotte Sumner (Secretary) and Barbara Revill, line up with children from the village for the official opening. 3: Diane Hinchcliffe & Anne Davison. 4: The busy first day. 5: Children from the village enjoy the new equipment.

Kate's Plain

There are two play areas in Stocksfield, the second one is Kate's Plain.

Kate's Plain can be found behind Brumwell Court, near the station, but access is from the Main Road or from the Guessburn.

Walk down the Guessburn and you will see the signpost to the left, next to the gardens not long after passing the Methodist Church. Take the path and cross the bridge and you are in Kate's Plain.

Alternatively you can now get to the the play area via the new footpath on the westside of Stocksfield Burn. Walk towards Brumwell Court from the Post Office, and take the new footpath just before the footbridge, you will again come to the footbridge over the burn by the Kate's Plain entrance.

Kate's Plain, unlike the Branch End Play Area, is flat so suitable for younger children, however the grass can be quite soft underfoot if it's wet. You will find a toddlers play area, a teen shelter, football pitch and seating area. Because of its remote location, you can often have the play area to yourself, although it is popular on Summer evenings, particularly at weekends.