Arno's Park Action Group
SUMMER FUN DAY
SUNDAY 6 JULY 2008
The 3rd Arnos Park Fun Day saw crowds of people turn out to enjoy the many activities and local group stalls many of whom have supported the event since its first year. Despite the weather earlier that day, and previous week, the rain held off until the final tent had been packed. We were extremely well 'blessed' for the event as one stall (Wellspring Church) ensured they prayed for good weather – just good luck?
This year saw more local community groups supporting the event and providing the opportunity for people to feel part of a much bigger community. Some of the comments following the event have been that 'the atmosphere was extremely friendly' and 'it was great to see what actually happens within my community'.
Some of the groups who attended were:
• 145th Scout Group who again helped with the event and laid on some great activities to include water stocks and the grand finale of tug o war with Stockwood Sharks Rugby Club. The rope used must have been the largest rope they could find and included adults and many children joining in the fun. Congratulations to 145th Group who won this year's tug o war.
• Stockwood Sharks Rugby Club again provided rugby skills for children to experience. As the face painting/tattoo stall did not turn up the mothers also took on the task of painting and tattooing many of the children. This always produces big queues and is a popular activity.
• Empire Boxing Club brought approximately 20 boxers and coaches, some of whom are pro-boxers. They put on a great display and also provided the opportunity for children to put on the gloves and have a go at the pads and skipping. This was new this year and was extremely popular!
• The Football Penalty Shootout finished with the 2 winners for their age groups and saw local Police Community Support Officers take the goal.
• The Local Community Police provided the usual large support with vehicles for children to explore and proving that they are part of the community. Prior to the event Community Support Officers helped with some of the planning and organising.
• The local Fire Brigade again attended with their Fire Engine for the children to enjoy and offering information on fire safety.
• Unfortunately due to the weather we cancelled the Gladiator Duel Inflatable, for safety reasons if wet, but the Castle was as popular as every year.
• There were cakes, soft drinks, sweet stall and barbeque to keep everyone going. All kept well within everyone's pockets!
• Children's activities including skipping were enjoyed by the younger children. • Holymead Junior and Infant School Heads showed their support and enjoyed the chance to talk to people outside of the school.
• Brislington Community Partnership took the opportunity to launch their Community Partnerships Strategy and show the community what the do.
• Arnos Vale Cemetry Trust also took the opportunity to provide information to the community.
• The Bristol Mini Club again brought some of their cars, including a recently furbished van and remote controlled race track.
It was great to see so many groups within the local community taking the time to entertain, show what they do and join the fun of the whole afternoon. There were many links made between groups and the Fun Day again ensured that all activities, food etc were kept within everyone's pockets. • Stockwood Sharks Rugby Club again provided rugby skills for children to experience. As the face painting/tattoo stall did not turn up the mothers also took on the task of painting and tattooing many of the children. This always produces big queues and is a popular activity.
• Empire Boxing Club brought approximately 20 boxers and coaches, some of whom are pro-boxers. They put on a great display and also provided the opportunity for children to put on the gloves and have a go at the pads and skipping. This was new this year and was extremely popular!
• The Football Penalty Shootout finished with the 2 winners for their age groups and saw local Police Community Support Officers take the goal.
• The Local Community Police provided the usual large support with vehicles for children to explore and proving that they are part of the community. Prior to the event Community Support Officers helped with some of the planning and organising.
• The local Fire Brigade again attended with their Fire Engine for the children to enjoy and offering information on fire safety.
• Unfortunately due to the weather we cancelled the Gladiator Duel Inflatable, for safety reasons if wet, but the Castle was as popular as every year.
• There were cakes, soft drinks, sweet stall and barbeque to keep everyone going. All kept well within everyone's pockets!
• Children's activities including skipping were enjoyed by the younger children. • Holymead Junior and Infant School Heads showed their support and enjoyed the chance to talk to people outside of the school.
• Brislington Community Partnership took the opportunity to launch their Community Partnerships Strategy and show the community what the do.
• Arnos Vale Cemetry Trust also took the opportunity to provide information to the community.
• The Bristol Mini Club again brought some of their cars, including a recently furbished van and remote controlled race track.
Thanks should go to all those in the above groups who gave their time to attend and also to those who helped with the other areas which are often not noticed:
• Extra mums and daughters who took on the face painting/tattoos
• Cub Leader who got continually soaked in the stocks
• Group members who worked hard to staff the inflatables and information stall
• Donations of cakes
• The many trips for extra water
• Especially all those who helped to set up and pack away – we all forget that when we go home there is the 'dreaded' packing away!
• Marquee donated for the day from Bristol Marquee Company
• The months of planning and organising before the event.
• Also to all those who attended and have supported the event for the past 3 years
• Cub Leader who got continually soaked in the stocks
• Group members who worked hard to staff the inflatables and information stall
• Donations of cakes
• The many trips for extra water
• Especially all those who helped to set up and pack away – we all forget that when we go home there is the 'dreaded' packing away!
• Marquee donated for the day from Bristol Marquee Company
• The months of planning and organising before the event.
• Also to all those who attended and have supported the event for the past 3 years
APAG: Emma Channon: Events Team Coordinator
Photos here