Endorsements

"It was wonderful to enjoy the shop and playground yesterday and hear about your fantastic community work." Rupert, Uley resident. April 2025

"5* It was a BRILLIANT morning! A lovely chance to engage with wildlife and the village" Feedback left at Nature morning, January 2025

"On the way back from a cycle ride, we like to stop at the Rec and watch children playing. We will love to watch the children playing at the various areas and also sit in the garden areas. Lots of people with disabilities or additional needs come to us in Coaley to collect tandems. They might also enjoy using the new Rec." Alex Reeves on behalf of Charlotte of Charlotte's Tandems, November 2024

"It’s a fantastic site you have and I’m really looking forward to see how it develops" Megan Adamou, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, November 2024

"Our students have been deeply engaged in the design process, and their enthusiasm for the final plans reflects their commitment to creating a space that will enrich their lives and foster a sense of community within the village. I am excited about the potential this development holds for our children and the wider community, and I look forward to seeing it come to fruition." Jen Thomas, Headteacher Coaley Primary Academy, November 2024

"The current play facilities on Coaley Recreation ground were installed over twenty years ago and in need of replacement and do not meet current toddler equipment specifications. There is a shortage of quality play facilities in the local area following mass house building which has not provided new areas of recreation as current system planning fails to consistently provide community benefit. The District Council recognises the important of play facilities and has set up a crowdfunding portal to support local groups, however as District Council funding has reduced in real terms by around 30% in the last five years there is only a limited amount we can do to provide the financial support for these schemes. I wish to support CRAG's fantastic vision to revitalise the recreation ground and play area whole heartily." Cllr Martin Pearcy , Coaley, Uley & Nympsfield ward Stroud District Council, November 2024

"Providing safe and vibrant play spaces within communities is an essential part of children's healthy physical and social development. And it is increasingly essential that these spaces are inclusive and accessible to children with different needs and abilities. It is also important to have spaces within communities, so that parents and carers do not have to drive or travel to take children for exercise. This is healthier for all and better for the environment. I have been really impressed with the dedication of the Coaley Rec Action Group and how much effort is being put into creating better amenities for this small village.  I support their continuing efforts to improve access to playing spaces for local children." Cllr Wendy Thomas, Gloucestershire County council, November 2024

"Today we walked to the recreation field to play on the new wooden structures, Thank you to CRAG for the lovely new equipment for the children" Coaley Village playgroup, 11th November 2024

"It was lovely to see lots of the children playing on the new equipment after school. Making the most of the sunshine" Lynn Hallam, villager November 2024

"So awesome seeing the results of all the hard work and fundraising all you guys at CRAG are doing" Susanna Keating, villager November 2024 (in response to the cleaning and line painting of the tennis courts)

“We really enjoyed working with Coaley Recreation Action Group, they are a really committed group of volunteers doing a fantastic job in creating more community opportunities in Coaley. They understand what their communities need and ensure children are at the heart of it! They organised the events really well, ensuring good publicity and volunteers were on hand to support us on the day and we would love to work with them again in the future.” Ben Ward - World Jungle, September 2024

"We loved coming down to the free fun programme - great to have fun activities on the doorstep, for our kids to meet others - a really friendly and fun atmosphere, thanks so much to the organisers!" Annabel Hitchen, villager August 2024 

"Your plans are amazing... it will be a fabulous space for the Coaley Community to enjoy" Raffles Forest school, August 2024

"Looks really cool. Lucas says it doesn't look abandoned any more" Naomi Meakin, villager July 2024 (in response to the revamp of the village bus stop)

"Well done to everyone involved in keeping Coaley a beautiful clean village" Vicki Spencer, villager June 2024 (in response to the Rec clean-up day)