MP Enjoys Brentford Play Day

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Before the heavy rain washed it out

The Great Brentford Picnic was once again held in St Paul’s Recreation Ground. Locally coordinated by Alix Reeves of Westplay, the event saw a wide range of fun and engaging activities for children of all ages. Amongst other things, youngsters enjoyed participating in face-painting, t-shirt decorating, hat-making, steel drum playing, bubble blowing and real-life table football.  Catering was organised by the Cafe of St Paul’s Church in Brentford.  Mary took part in the local Playday which was held on Wednesday 4th August,. 

Mary Macleod MP met a team from Chiswick and Brentford Your Extended Services (YES), who were on hand to give information on Hounslow Council’s Extended Services scheme (past events have included Yoga for exam-age children, paediatric first aid courses and a Healthy Cookery Club).  Mary met Liz Gers (Parent Support Adviser) (left) and Claire Collison (Co-ordinator for Brentford and Chiswick) (right) of Brentford and Chiswick YES, with Liz’s son Tom.

She also enjoyed lunch from the St Paul’s Church Cafe – where she holds regular surgeries.

Playday is the annual celebration of children's right to play, coordinated by Play England.  It is an annual campaign where, each year, thousands of children and young people get out and play at locally organised events, encouraging the development of community feeling in the process.

According to Adrian Voce, Director of Play England, children’s play is in decline: “Our research has shown that 71% of adults used to play daily near their home when they were children, compared to only 21% of children today.”

 

Mary said, “This is a wonderful initiative.  Play is an essential part of every child’s life and is vital to their development.  When I was a child, we were able to play freely in the streets and in the parks and enjoy the great outdoors.  Many children now do not get that opportunity.”

“This event in Brentford was a chance for children to have a wonderful time together in a safe environment, and gave the community an occasion to come together.  I look forward to seeing similar events locally in the future.”

 

August 6, 2010