Despite terrible weather last Thursday, the people of New Hedges turned out in force for the opening of the village's new playing field with Wildlife Conservation Area, and fancy dress carnival parade. And such was the success of the event, that the magnificent sum of £500 was raised for the maintenance of the new playing field and the planned annex project for the Village Hall. Ninety-two-year-old Mrs. Peggy Fender, who is the village's oldest resident, proudly cut the ribbon to officially open the playing field, which has been made possible after 20 years of hard work by villagers and local residents. Although events on the field had to be cancelled because of the bad weather, the fancy dress procession through the village went ahead, and entertainment followed at the Village Hall with a magician and disco. The presentation of awards for the St. Mary Out Liberty in Bloom competition also coincided with the event.
