Play stops rain in Hereford
Tuesday 27th May was a special day for play in Hereford City Centre.
There were lots of free play activities on offer all day including a huge climbing wall on High Town, funky circus skills, brilliant Brazilian drumming workshops, whacky Wildplay nature play and den building, together with super soccer skills and cool skate boarding on Castle Green, and terrific soft play at Halo Leisure Centre for the very little ones. It was a fantastic day full of fun and laughter with lots of ideas that children and parents could take home with them.
The day was organised by the Herefordshire Play Partnership, facilitated by Herefordshire Council, to celebrate the launch of the Play Strategy as a result of a £338,000 grant awarded by the Big Lottery Fund last year. As well as the out door activities on offer, Stuart Douglas, assistant director of Play England, addressed an invited audience at the Green Dragon Hotel in the morning and spoke about the national play agenda, the importance of play in society and the results of play deprivation for our communities. Key speakers at the conference also included Sharon Menghini, director of children's services and representatives of the four play projects in receipt of funding.
Recent studies have shown that children today are playing out less, socialising less, playing inside more and their physical, mental and social health is suffering as a result - a Persil survey revealed that chocolate has now replaced grass as the most 'popular' stain on children's clothes!
The Government has recognised the need to encourage children to play and Herefordshire Council and the Play Partnership are committed to continuing to develop and promote play in the county. Play helps children develop physically, mentally and socially, and children who have been able to play freely are happier, contribute to society more, engage with their environment and are physically fitter - and they grow up to become happier, more productive, healthier adults.
Further details about the Play Partnership and the projects being worked with, contact Alex Fitzpatrick (01432) 261680.
