Report on National PlayDay 7th August in Houghton Regis

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News release by Childrens Links

2,000 attend  free family play event  for National Playday

National Playday was celebrated in Houghton on the village green on Wednesday 7th August with a free family event organised by the children's charity Childrens Links.

Opened by the Town Mayor, Councillor Peter Williams the event aimed to get children playing  out in local green spaces and be part of their communities   supporting  families to play together with  children getting  involved in planning of the event.

Activities were provided to suit  to suit all ages from archery to face painting , sand and water play for under  5's to  giant  water slides,  trampolines, zorbs, parkour, football, basketball, drama, dance, DJ workshops,  and steel pans.

Clare Bryan play developer for Children Links and the organiser of the event said, "The atmosphere was fantastic, numbers were beyond our expectation, and  families loved  the mix of activities, the community sprit, and it appealed to all ages."

The event was funded through the Big Lottery Fund and a small grant from Team Beds and Luton. The charity worked closely with Houghton Regis Town Council to make sure the event ran smoothly and safely.

Other organisations provided activities including Houghton Heritage group to Kids In Action, Family Action, The Childrens Society New Generation Youth Theatre and Priory pre-school, and not forgetting the fire service supplying the water for the water slide.    

The community Active Rangers run regular free outdoor sessions after school and in the summer holidays for children and young people in Houghton Regis. On Tuesdays at Tithe Farm Park and Fridays near the Dog and Duck pub.

For further details contact
Clare Bryan play Development officer Childrens Links on 07554 450 473
Angela Evans and Austen Trudgill Community Active Rangers  on 07554 450481 

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