A small village in the Woodhall Spa area has been “brought into the 21st century” with the installation of new play equipment, picnic tables and benches.

Kirkby on Bain, with a population of about 400, has a primary school and a friendly pub, The Ebrington Arms, but lacked any outdoor facilities where villagers could meet for a chat and children could exercise and play.

But a special project, led by resident Martin Obermuller, changed all that and culminated in a special picnic and ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the new equipment on the Brocklesby Playing Field at Springwell Lane.

"It was a lovely event, attended by about 50 people, although the weather was very hot,” said Martin, who is also a member of Kirkby on Bain Parish Council.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony in Kirkby on Bain, performed by popular village veteran Bob Pinning, alongside Coun Martin Briscombe, chairman of the parish council.

placeholder image — The ribbon-cutting ceremony in Kirkby on Bain, performed by popular village veteran Bob Pinning, alongside Coun Martin Briscombe, chairman of the parish council.

"The playing field was only previously used by the local school. But now there are families and children down there every day.

"The project has brought the village into the 21st century, and it is fantastic to see.”

Villagers were quick to positively support a parish council proposal to find a grant for the equipment, tables and benches.

A successful grant application was made to the East Lindsey Investment Fund, run by East Lindsey District Council, and a financial donation of 20 per cent was provided by The Brocklesby Trust, which owns the playing field.

The new play equipment and picnic area in all its glory on the Brocklesby Playing Field in Kirkby on Bain.

Support for the scheme also came from district councillors Craig Leyland and Tom Kemp, and the play equipment, comprising swings, an agility trail, a springer and a cone twister, was installed by playground suppliers, Kompan.

Representatives from Kompan and the councils attended the picnic celebration, along with the main guest of honour, veteran villager Bob Pilling, who performed a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Coun Martin Briscombe, chairman of the parish council.

Bob was born and raised in Kirkby on Bain, where his mum taught at the primary school. He recently enjoyed a surprise 70th birthday party at The Ebrington Arms, and is well known for pulling pints at the pub as well as for his gardening duties in the village and at care homes in Woodhall Spa.

Martin said: “Bob is universally liked. His passion is horse racing and he is always on the lookout for a hot tip.

"His tip of the day is that the new playground will be enjoyed and well used by many youngsters, parents, grandparents and local schoolchildren for many years to come.”