05/08/10….Rain fails to dampen spirits for Thame Playday

ON a day that brought the heaviest rain for weeks to Thame yesterday, over 300 children and young people braved the elements to take part in Thame Playday, part of Playday 2010, a national initiative that celebrates a child?s right to play.

The children and young people were treated to free activities including swimming, trampolining and dance at Thame Leisure Centre, as well as face painting, drumming, circus skills and more activities at the South Pole Recreation Ground in Southern Road, Thame.

Deputy Mayor of Thame, Don Butler, opened proceedings as the young people were encouraged to make the most of the activities and facilities available to them, particularly on a day when all the activities were free of charge, thanks to a small grant from Oxfordshire County Council.

Jamie Hazeldine, Club Services Manager for Oxfordshire Association for Young People who helped organise the event, said: “Despite the weather, the children and young people all had a very good time, with some even making the most of the conditions and playing in the puddles.

?It is fantastic to see so many children, particularly from the local children?s centres, benefit from what Thame has to offer and it would not have been possible to achieve this without the support of the local community.

?Specifically, a big thank you must go to Thame Town Council, Thame Leisure Centre (Nexus) and Oxfordshire Association for Young People for all their support throughout the project, but also to Sainsbury?s and Co Op for their donation of Water for the event. Waitrose have given us a slot in their Community Fund for the month of August, so all money raised will be used to continue to create play opportunities for children and young people.

“Finally, a big thank you to Atalay Kebab Van, who supplied food for the event, but also donated further drinks for the children at no charge.?

It is hoped that this can become a regular event for Thame, looking to encourage children and young people to get outside and take part in activities, rather than playing on computers and watching television.

PHOTO: Local children try their hand at drumming during Thame Playday 2010 at Thame Leisure Centre