Wicksteed Builds Playground in Memory Of First Female Soldier Killed on Active Service In Iraq

Wicksteed Leisure – market leaders in the play equipment industry, have recently transformed a site with great sadness behind it.

The newly refurbished play area at Cherry Orchard in Kent was ceremoniously opened last week in honour of Sarah-Jayne Mulvihill.  Dedicated to the 32 year old British servicewoman, who was tragically killed in action in Iraq in May 2006, the rejuvenated area will provide much pleasure to the young people of Herne.  Sadly, Sarah-Jayne was one of 5 service personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty when a Royal Navy Lynx helicopter was shot down in Basra.

Having moved to Herne with her parents when she was a child, Sarah-Jayne enjoyed playing at the Cherry Orchard recreation ground and it was here that her parents, Terry and Susan Poole who still live in the area, officially named the revamped site after their daughter. 

                     

Happy children clamber on Wicksteed’s Tarzan Crossing
at Sarah-Jayne’s Memorial Play Area

Wicksteed, who won the contract jointly funded by Canterbury City Council and Herne and Broomfield Parish Council, has completely rejuvenated the play area, installing exciting and challenging playground equipment to enhance the facilities for children of all ages in Sarah-Jayne’s childhood village. 

Although the park is now very different from the days when Sarah-Jayne played there, it is a fitting memorial to a brave soldier ~  the first British female soldier to have been killed in action in Iraq and it is already being well used and fully appreciated by local children.

For further information relating to Wicksteed visit: www.wicksteed.co.uk

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