Still rocking after 65 years
Fivehead has looked after its play area for generations. A 1973 invoice records parts for a rocking horse and swings dating from 1961. The rocking horse is still there today. In 1982, a local engineer repaired and reinstated it. In 2004, the village's children chose a new climbing tower, roundabout and swings, installed the following year. Now it is our turn to help write the next chapter.
Explore the play area's history1961
A rocking horse and swings
Our oldest records: a metal rocking horse and 10ft swings, both dated 1961 on a later Wicksteed invoice. The rocking horse is still in the play area today.
1973
Parts for £11.47
A Wicksteed invoice lists new parts for the 1961 rocking horse and swings. The total, with VAT, is £11.47.
1982
The rocking horse rescued
Local engineer Mr J.P. Matravers of Isle Moor Works repairs and reinstates the rocking horse, which "has given much pleasure to the children of the village over many years".
2004
The children choose
A questionnaire goes to every home. On 3 July 2004 the village children vote for a climbing tower, a roundabout and new swings, and the Junior Superstars raise £309.14 towards them.
2005
A new play area
A climbing tower, a roundabout and new swings go in, the same year the Village Hall opens next door. The rocking horse and the motorbike rider stay.
2025
Behind the fence, and Bring Play Back
The play area closes for safety reasons in August 2025. The village responds with the Bring Play Back campaign to reopen it, with £2,500 from The Stable Community Café and gifts from across the community. Every penny raised through Bring Play Back stays with the play area.
2026
Fivehead Park: Play On
The new trustees launch a fresh campaign with a bigger ambition and a first target of £60,000. Our first priority is to reopen and improve the play area. The new Fivehead Park: Play On Working Group brings the whole village into the plans.
