THERE was fun to be had for children of all ages at the free pop-up family fun day at Penleigh Park on Sunday 31st July.
The event proved popular with children in the surrounding neighbourhood with many turning up to take part in the various games. The day was organised by the Penleigh and Oldfield Community Action Network (POPCAN) which is a resident’s group that seeks to support local children and organise events for them in the local area.
This year’s fun included a skateboard event, dodgeball, an inflatable bouncy castle slide, an ice cream van, and a pottery painting class for children to try their hand.
Chair of POPCAN, Sheila Kimmins said, “We’ve had a lovely day out so far and I’m seeing a lot of smiling faces, so we must be doing something right! A big thank you to all the helpers and those who have selflessly donated their time – also a thank you to Jane Russ, who took on the task of testing out the inflatable slide!”
The event went down well with the local children, with many trying their hardest to be the limbo champion in one of the skateboard events, letting their inner artist out with some pottery painting, or getting revenge in one of the dodgeball games.
As well as hosting pop-up fun days, POPCAN also host skateboard events with the Swindon-based company ATB and regular dodgeball events in the park – all for free.
Sheila explained, “POPCAN was set up by the people of this area a few years ago now with the aim of doing as much for the local children as we can. We have evolved and managed to put on some great regular events in the park such as the popular skateboard event and dodgeball games all for free; we raise money by selling quilts that we make or asking for grants.
“I’d also like to thank 4Youth who are also here today for helping organise the recent litter pick with some of the local children and teenagers. It’s been a great help for us as we would usually be getting here a couple of hours before, just to do that.”
Volunteers from the Westbury Area Network, the organisation which operates the Westbury food bank and community fridge out of the Westbury Community Project on Eden Vale Road, were also at the event to talk to people about and advertise their services.
POPCAN also hold a free school uniform drive throughout the year where parents can collect or hand in second-hand uniform if they are in need or if their child has outgrown theirs. Information about the next uniform drive will come soon.
