COMMUNITY spirit was on display as villagers came together to raise £20,000.
Around 200 residents from Barford, Sherbourne and Wasperton tucked into breakfasts before 180 took part in a sponsored walk and cycle ride.
Villagers then dug deep for a treasure hunt and later in the day packed Barford Memorial Hall where they bid for prizes as part of a special ‘Promises Auction.’
The money will be used to help pay for improvements to King George’s Playing Field in Barford.
A working group was formed in 2013 looking at ways to raise money for a new children’s play area and a multi-use games area including two tennis courts and an all-weather court.
And since fund-raising commenced a year ago, the working group has raised more than £100,000 with its sights set firmly on reaching a further £400,000 over the next 18 months.
John Murphy, chairman of Barford, Sherbourne and Wasperton Joint Parish Council and member of the working group, called the activity day a “phenomenal success.”
He added: “To see so many villagers taking part and raising money for a cause that will have a huge impact on many of our residents was so heart-warming, and to raise around £20,000 was stunning – it surpassed every expectation.
“We have an incredibly strong sense of community within our three villages and this really came to the fore on Saturday.
“I am incredibly proud of what we achieved and am very excited to be a step closer to making significant improvements to village amenities.”
