Family-friendly fun for all at Bulwell’s Riverside

The half-term event was organised by Bulwell Parents’ Forum, a newly-formed group which represents local families.

The fun day was on the lines of a similar family-friendly event to mark Hallowe’en last year, which was also held at the Riverside.

Among the agencies involved were Bulwell Community Toy Library, Crabtree Primary School, Nottingham neighbourhood community development team and the health authority.

As well as providing enjoyment for local youngsters, the fun day was aimed at boosting Nottingham’s bid for Lottery funding of the ‘Small Steps - Big Changes’ initiative.

Up to five local authorities will get up to £50 million over the next 10 years to support children aged nought to three and Nottingham’s application is being led by its City Care Partnership.

Attractions at the fun day included arts and crafts, a ‘smoothie bike’, food and drink, sporting activity, balloon modelling and face painting.

A particularly exhilarating feature was a session in which youngsters were given a chance to play drums, with 15 of the instruments provided for the purpose.

Coun Jackie Morris, a Labour member for Bulwell ward on the city council, said: “This was a good collaborative event and I am very pleased it has been well supported by local families.

“This is a sign that Bulwell’s community spirit is coming back in a big way. There is a real sense of neighbourliness at present.”

Leonie Anson, of the Parents’ Forum, said much credit was due to a large team of volunteers who helped to ensure that the fun day was successful. “It was a chance for parents to have a chat with the different agencies,” she added.

Not to be outdone by a big turnout of mums, a fathers’ group were actively involved and cooked meals which included curries, pizzas and Jamaican-style pitta bread.

The dads meet at the Riverside every Monday from 9.30 am to 12 midday, with a strong accent on male bonding.