It's been another successful and productive year at Lower Walditch Play Area and Community Orchard.

The committee held its AGM this month and committee members heard how new equipment was added, trees planted, money raised and its first birthday celebrated.

Siobhan Dashwood, chairman of Lower Walditch Play Area and Community Orchard, said: "Despite the ongoing challenges of living alongside Covid, we have been fortunate enough to build upon the success of the first phase of the play area - instigated by Anne Loades who has subsequently retired from the committee, but to whom we are deeply appreciative of for all her hard work and tenacity in laying the foundations for this community group."

Following the committee's successful grant application to National Lottery Community Fund of £9,896 the Viking swing which was installed in June 2021.

Despite Covid delays, the play area's first birthday was celebrated in October 2021 - a thank you to those who helped make the park a reality and for those who use it. A raffle managed to raise £186.

The play area's second Christmas trail had 55 households in the Walditch estate take part and raised £165. It also included a decorated window competition, in which 15 homes participated. This was judged by Bridport mayor, Ian Bark.

This year has seen the start of the community orchard and wellbeing area at the play area. On February 12, five espalier pear trees were planted along the entrance to the park and a screening area of hornbeam hedging was created, which marks out the wellbeing area. The committee still has the West Bay Car Boot grant money it received for the provision of seating with planning ongoing.

Siobhan added: "It has been an absolute pleasure to be a part of this committee and working together in this small enclave of Bridport, creating a sanctuary so that our children can have a place where they can be safe, engaged and playful and to continue to work towards providing a quiet space for all to enjoy.

"In such challenging and difficult times, it is an absolute tonic to know there are people using their time and skills to improve our lives in ways those who benefit from it may never know about to be aware of.

"This year we have seen more movement in the committee and have welcomed Aureen as treasurer. We have continued to work hard behind the scenes with regular meetings and dedicating ourselves to the sustained development of the area as well as the running of a community group. This has included securing another bank account which has been no small feat and deserves recognition on the effort involved from Jan, Aureen and Charlie. We are always open to welcoming members to the committee or to help take part in working parties and events planning.

"We would like to extend our thanks to the following individuals and organisations that have provided their support to our group through the past 12 months: Bothenhampton and Walditch Parish Council - particularly Jim Basker and Tan Cox - Dorset Council section 106 funding for fruit trees, Daryl Chambers of Bridport Town Council, Bridport Tourist Information Centre, John Bright Fencing, Footeprints, Toymaster, Morrisons and Groves."