This way, please

Colourful wooden gates decorated by Newdegate families will line the driveway leading to this year’s field days, on September 6 and 7.

It’s the first time the gates, crafted by local grandad Gary Hay earlier this year, have been included in the event.

Each has been designed to reflect the local family which decorated it.

Local Parents and Citizens committee member Rochelle Walker said there were 25 families with children enrolled at the local Newdegate Primary School.

“Each gate has been decorated by the children and parents,” she said.

“The gates are small enough to be easily decorated but big enough to make an impact.

“There was definitely a lot of discussion amongst our children about how to best decorate ours.”

Ms Walker said the idea was spawned by school principal Ann Webster and supported by the parents and children’s committee.

The P&C purchased the wood which was then crafted into a gate by Mr Hay, whose grandchildren Elyse and Ben Walker attend the school.

Children have been busy decorating the gates at school and at home, while Mr Walker said some community members had also decorated gates.

Behind the scenes, parents from are busy helping to organise this year’s field days.

Ms Walker said the event itself was a huge boost for children in the town.

“On the day, the children just love it, the rides, show bags, entertainment,” she said.

“There’s also the great aspect that these local kids are learning a bit about how to run an event.

“They really are able to see how a big event like this comes together.”