EVENTS

JULY / AUGUST

Leisure Centre, Taunton: trampolining, badminton, games, arts and crafts, picnic

Bristol Zoo + picnic

Farm Day, North Devon: treasure hunt, tractor rides, feeding the animals, games, barbecue


DECEMBER

Youth Club: fancy dress competition, disco / karaoke, arts and crafts, games, buffet

Pantomime, Bristol

Milky Way, Easter Activity Day - 2010

The Milky Way is an adventure park based in N Devon which caters for all ages. The park includes birds of prey talks and displays, a junior rollercoaster, a big indoor play area, death slides, bumper cars, assault courses and the Cosmic Typhoon (North Devon’s tallest, fastest and longest rollercoaster).

I and a colleague met with foster carers and children at the entrance of the park and, once inside, everyone went off to explore. Unfortunately the weather was not on our side and the Cosmic Typhoon was not running. However, that didn’t stop the children from finding alternatives to occupy themselves with. We found some of the children on the death slides (great for those who don’t suffer from vertigo) and the bumper cars - which were a ‘big hit’ with one child who went on over and over again and clearly believes he is the next Jenson Button! The soft play area was enjoyed by all, especially the younger children. It was funny to watch several of the foster carers managing to squeeze themselves through almost impossible gaps, certainly a case of them revisiting their childhood. Games of hide and seek were soon started – thankfully all the children were found, although a couple of the adults were disappointed to be found as they just fancied the idea of grabbing forty winks!

Lunch was spent talking about how brave everyone had been on the death slides, the high level of driving skills (not from the adults though – the police would have had a field day!!) and spirits were further raised when the weather cleared. Cosmic Typhoon time was advancing!!!!

For those who didn’t realise the rollercoaster was open soon found out it was from the screams of joy, with possibly the odd scream of fear thrown in. Although no one would admit to this, the sheer terror showed in the eyes and the white knuckles certainly gave it away. It certainly lived up to its reputation!! Several of us thought the junior rollercoaster had been enough! The assault courses also proved popular, with several of the older children looking as though they were doing screen tests for a new Rambo film!!

Sadly, for all, the afternoon flew by and it was soon time for everyone to gather to go home. A quick headcount confirmed no one was lost, although several children did offer to go and look near the death slides and rollercoasters. However, their plan was sussed! Everyone voted the day a great success with definite plans to return and the youngest of the group slept all the way back to placement.

Take care

Stacey

Bowling Tournament – Easter 2010

The sun rose high in the sky as we met up for the bowling event of the year, at Cribbs Causeway. All were on tenterhooks to see who would be the first to shout out ‘STRIKE’. Warm up swings were practiced and shoes chosen with special care.

The children were keen to impress, but the adults had a clear level of competitiveness between each other. Anyone would think they were trialling for the World Championships!! Thankfully the team selection process passed without incident, though it was alleged that silver was seen to cross palms.

The tournament started and it wasn’t long before all was in full swing. There was the odd scare when the younger children were seen travelling down the rink with the ball still in hand, but that was quickly resolved. The explanation was that they wanted to get a maximum!! As the day went on, the atmosphere became quite tense as we entered the final stages. However, when the scores were finally tallied it became apparent that there were no clear winners. The ‘scoring system’, based on the ages and experience of team members, had proved effective.

Overall a fantastic day was had by all and it is an event which will definitely become a regular fixture on the calendar. There is even talk of trophies and certificates being up for grabs. Thus, I hope to see many more turning up next year.

The next activity in the north area is at the World famous Bristol Zoo on the 19 August (meeting at the front gate) at 11am. It would be great to see as many of you as possible. We have an educational tour booked and entry for all children is free. I have also booked glorious weather for the day, so bring along your picnic gear!!

I would like to add that it is a great opportunity for people to get to know others within the organization with the emphasis being on having as much fun as we can get away with!

Richard