Bobby Robson pitches in to help create Rosley playground

By sarah newstead

Last updated 12:39, Friday, 14 November 2008

Football legend Sir Bobby Robson has supported the fundraising mission to create a children’s play area in Rosley.

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Work hard, play hard: Lucilla Laval, far left, from Cumbrian Newspapers presents a cheque for £300 to Rosley play area committee treasurer Jeanette Hudson and chairwoman Sonia Charters. The group has raised half of the £40,000 needed for the much-needed play area

The former England manager donated a signed copy of Newcastle – My Kind Of Toon to help raise cash for the £40,000 scheme to give youngsters and families in Westward and Rosley a place to call their own.

Rosley play area committee member, Sonia Charters, said the gift came after she wrote to Sir Bobby asking for his help.

She said of the book: “It’s his own personal copy that he has signed for us. We will probably auction it, but we’re taking advice as to whether is should go to a specialist sports memorabilia auction, go on eBay or auction it locally. It’s wonderful.”

The play area scheme came after Rosley village plan identified a clear need for a children’s facility.

So, 18 months ago, residents formed a committee and have so far raised £20,000 through grants and charity events, such as car boot sales and a children’s sponsored bicycle ride. Mrs Charters said a local woman, Joyce Wilkinson, passed away and left land for the use of the people.

“The piece of land we are building the play area on was left to the village hall and the committee gave it to us. They have been very supportive and gave us £10,000 towards our scheme.

“We are just half way through our fundraising.

“We’ll pick up again after Christmas with some more events and we hope to start building with some of the money we already have in the spring.”