Fine summer weather greeted the official unveiling of table tennis tables and the orienteering course at Meriton Road Park, Handforth on Wednesday, 10th July.
The Friends of Meriton Road Park welcomed Councillor Cynthia Samson, Chair of Handforth Parish Council, and Borough Councillor Denis Mahon. They were accompanied by John Brooks, the Clerk to the Parish Council.
The orienteering course, funded via a Parish Council grant, was soon put to good use by experienced orienteers from Greater Manchester Orienteering Association. Led by Sue Birkinshaw, they introduced small groups of children from
St Benedict's and Wilmslow Grange primary schools to the basic skills of the sport. Before long the children were off in all directions to find the designated control points where they had to record the control's identifying mark before racing off to the next one.
Table tennis players, led by 85 year old Gus Rovira, explained the shots and rules to children from both schools at the new outdoor tables, which were co-funded by Cheshire East Council and English Table Tennis Association's Sport England's "Ping" fund.
Sheila Rovera, Chair of FOMRP, commented "Between the games the children, not to mention the adults, gratefully cooled down with drinks and apples donated by Handforth's Tesco and Spar stores.
"People of all ages had a wonderful morning and soon passers by took the opportunity to try out the tables, some having not played for years. Many also helped to tidy up before and after the event.
"All are welcome to use these new facilities in the park which are a valuable addition to the outdoor gym, tennis courts and multi use games area along with rides on the steam miniature railway."
Photos courtesy of Malcolm Spence.
