Disaster struck at the end of April this year, when a burst Welsh Water sewage main sent litres of contaminated water into the playground of Broad Haven CP School.
(Image: Broad Haven Playgroup)
The village’s playgroup, which is located at the school, saw its outdoor classroom, which had only been installed months earlier, devastated in the flood of raw sewage.
All the playgroup’s equipment, fencing and storage units were contaminated and had to be disposed of and replaced, due to the health and safety risk posed to the very young children at the care setting.
The playgroup re-located just 18 months earlier and the fixtures, fencing and storage were all custom built and installed at that time, some of the damaged equipment was as little as two months old.
Much of the playgroup’s day to day equipment was also ruined as it was stored in the outside area.
The community rallied round with support and a JustGiving appeal to raise funds to get the playgroup back on its feet smashed its target, raising more than £1,100 in just a day.
(Image: Broad Haven Playgroup)
Now after months of fundraising, planning and hard work the damaged play equipment has been replaced with bespoke play areas built by Edward Reohorn at Lamber Forge Garden Furniture.
Edward completely rebuilt the area which now boasts an impressive reading hut, playhouse, water wall, sandpit, vegetable patch and mud kitchen.
(Image: Broad Haven Playgroup)
The new outdoor classroom was officially opened by MS Paul Davies on Saturday, October 18.
Members of the public and playgroup supporters all came to the opening and enjoyed checking out the new facilities in the autumn sunshine.
(Image: Broad Haven Playgroup)
“We are using the reopening of Broad Haven Playgroup to say a big thank you to our local community,” said the Broad Haven playgroup team.
“It was devastating to see our beautiful outdoor play area flooded by a burst Welsh Water sewage pipe over the summer.
(Image: Broad Haven Playgroup)
“We are so grateful for the outpouring of generosity from toy donations, financial donations and moral support.
(Image: Broad Haven Playgroup)
“We are a charity and really appreciated every act of kindness.”
The playgroup thanked Paul Davies for cutting the ribbon and officially marking a fresh start for playgroup.
(Image: Broad Haven Playgroup)
“It meant a lot to see so many people come down and support us on a Saturday morning. It was really fantastic to see parents past and present,” said the playgroup team.
“From all of us here at playgroup, thank you.”