Children have a ball all summer

8:20am Saturday 6th September 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

Children and young people were kept entertained this summer, with Hertsmere Borough Council’s play schemes and new play rangers initiative.

Participants on the Radlett play scheme were visited by a coach from Arsenal Football Club, who helped with team games and taught ball skills.

They were also visited by a team of African drummers and dancers, who gave them the opportunity to learn some traditional rhythms and moves.

More than 30 children took part in the drama play scheme based in Shenley, which involved singing and dancing activities based around the film High School Musical.

Parents were invited to watch a special performance on the final day of the programme.

And after a successful bid to the Big Lottery Fund for £201,000 earlier this year, Hertsmere Borough Coun-cil employed 12 qualified ‘play rangers’ to promote recreational activities in the borough’s parks and open spaces this summer.

The newly launched play rangers scheme proved successful, with participants taken to different green spaces in Boreham-wood, Elstree, Radlett and Shenley throughout August to promote the benefits of using these areas for recreational activities.

The rangers organised an array of activities including sports, arts and crafts and den building.

Funding for the scheme will be spread over three years, throughout which the rangers will work with children during school holidays and early evenings, trying to encourage young people to make more use of the green space in the borough.

A spokesman for the scheme said: “The play team and new play rangers have had a superb summer, giving lots of children and young people the opportunity to play outside and have fun.”

The play team will return during the October half term.

More details will soon be available from Hertsmere Borough Council’s website hertsmere.gov.uk/play