Helping the community is child’s play as a huge party in Bourne has been hailed for its fun-raising benefits to village youngsters and families.

Preparations for the 2025 Bourne Show and its evening event, The Big Bourne Bash, are well underway with the showpiece event taking place on Saturday, July 5.

But while the event is great fun, it’s also about raising funds with the 2024 festivities generating plenty of cash for local charities and good causes.

The £6,500 revamp of the children’s playground on Bourne Green was the biggest project to receive show funding with remedial work and improvements being carried out since the party finished.

The project carried out in partnership with Surrey County Council and Waverley Borough Council included improvements to the sandpit, an additional picnic bench, fence repairs and replacement matting.

County and town councillor, Michael Martin, said SCC was delighted to work in partnership with the Bourne community to support improvements, with WBC’s Cllr Steve Williams echoing the sentiments.

“This project underscores our commitment to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for families and children in our community,” said the WBC portfolio holder for environment and sustainability.

Roger Goscomb, Bourne Show Chairman & Treasurer said: “The Bourne Green and its playground are absolutely at the heart of the Bourne.

“The playground gets a huge amount of use, especially with the South Farnham Infants School being so close.

“We are extremely grateful to both Michaela and Andy Fernandez for their hard work and support in helping us bring this project to fruition.

Mr Goscomb added: “Our thanks also to all the volunteers, sponsors and Show visitors who enable us to make a surplus of funds each year so that we can continue to make donations to the local community and help make a difference to people’s lives.”