World Cup star Karen Carney to open Barford fun day

The event is the latest fundraiser organised by villagers from Barford, Sherbourne and Wasperton to help pay for major improvements to King George’s Playing Fields in Barford.

These improvements will include a new children’s play area, two tennis courts, and sports and leisure facilities designed for people of all ages.

The fundraising campaign, which commenced less than 18 months ago, has seen almost £400,000 pledged through grants and local initiatives. In March, an activity day held in Barford raised over £23,000, and in June, the project secured £75,000 of funding from Sport England.

With news of another major grant expected to be announced soon, Barford, Sherbourne and Wasperton Joint Parish Council hope the money raised from the fun day will complete the fundraising, enabling work to improve the playing fields to start this year.

Karen Carney, capped by England more than 100 times and captain of Birmingham City in the Football Association Women’s Super League, said: “I’m really looking forward to coming to the fun day and seeing how fundraising at Barford is progressing.

“I’m also looking forward to meeting those working so hard to make this a reality and to lend my support to this outstanding local project.”

The fun day will take place on the village green in Barford and the highlights include a Barford Bake Off, a Barford’s Got Talent contest, and a Barford’s Pets With Talent show.

There will be children’s games and activities and in the evening local band Riff Raff will be playing in Barford Memorial Hall.

The fun day will be free to enter. Tickets for food and the evening’s entertainment can be purchased in advance from Barford Village Shop.