I wanted to highlight this particular project as it has not only been a pleasure to work on, but the results are worth sharing with you all. How lucky the kids at Sparkenhoe are now that they have all have this eye-catching and stimulating equipment in the grounds of their school. They even have their very own, specially commissioned so-called Teletubby Hill! Rhian Jones from Sparkenhoe School in Leicester said:

We have just installed an incredibly unusual piece of bespoke equipment in a pretty country park in Leicester; the Mammoth TailFin! Specially commissioned by the city council, this huge, towering tailfin-inspired climbing wall juts out of the ground, features hand and footholds, an outline of a mammoth and offers a daring challenge to get to the top! The inspiration behind this unique design is different aspects of climate change which the council is keen to emphasise. The Tailfin will sit in the park and form part of the new adventure trail. Cllr Sarah Russell from Leicester City Council said:

We’ve recently acquired another St Bernard to add to the pack. He’s 8 months old and called Bertie. Currently weighing in at 50 kilos, he’s likely to reach up to 95 kilos when fully grown so is eating us out of house and home! He is settling in well and is a delight to behold as this rather docile shot of him shows!

Please keep scrolling down to read more about news from HQ.

Hope to see you at SALTEX in September where we’ll be showcasing loads of brand new products.

Wicksteed has entered the edgy world of Parkour – or Freerunning, as it’s more commonly known. This exhilarating sport is really taking off in the UK both in schools and community areas and Wicksteed’s specially designed zones are set to draw in practitioners from far and wide!

• Wicksteed has an exclusive commercial arrangement with the sport’s world leaders, Parkour Generations
• All Wicksteed parkour zones provide a challenge for both novice and seasoned parkour practitioners

We’ve just launched a funky Parkour brochure, so, contact us for a copy. We look forward to seeing all sorts of people out there practising their Tic Tacs or polishing up their Speed Vault techniques in your area!

Public Consultation is extremely important when it comes to hearing the voice of the community for which a new site is being installed and we’ve just launched a new section on our website www.wicksteed.co.uk which allows information to be collated,
public consultation dates to be advertised and where the participants can view the outcome of that consultation, all online.

We anticipate that this new section on the website will make a lot of difference to many of our customers.

Can it really be that time again already?! This prestigious trade show held on Windsor racecourse is a highlight in the industry calendar and this year’s event dates are 6th, 7th and 8th September. Not only will we be launching a huge array of inspiring new products, but also exceptional bargains are in the offing!!!!

I hope you will be able to find the time to visit us at SALTEX, view our new products and join us for luncheon on any of the three days. Please drop me an e-mail if you would like to reserve seats for lunch.

All play products displayed will be available at silly prices for direct delivery - we want to return to Northamptonshire with empty lorries, so bring your order pads!

Our exciting electronic PlayAlive system is continuing to cause quite a stir and the feedback we have received since its launch has been tremendous. Appealing to all from the age of 8 upwards, this inspirational product connects kids by interlacing virtual realms of imagination together with good old-fashioned chasing and agility-testing exercise. It is a brilliant way to get today’s computer-obsessed generation off their backsides and out into the open air!

We are currently working on a very exciting architect-led, full colour brochure which will help to reiterate the message that Wicksteed can not only create complete bespoke playscapes but that bespoke modular products can also be individually tailored to suit specific requirements.

With eye-catching images, useful guidance, high quality plans and graphics this publication will serve as a reference outlining the processes behind playscape design and installation and will illustrate our extensive timber-based ranges and the more eclectic collection of products in our portfolio in stunning detail.