Committee branches out with new play venture
Oldfolkssubs
Adventurous youngsters enjoyed getting to grips with nature as Friends of Stonehouse Park hosted a Little Saplings Outdoor Play event.
With a simple kit of tarpaulin, hammocks, ropes and some old pots and pans, the children – and their imaginations – were unleashed on Sunday morning.
Youngsters enjoyed rope swings, den building, a mud kitchen and tree climbing.
Karen Kelly of FOSP said:“at first some of the younger children appeared a bit apprehensive about getting their hands dirty or climbing the trees, but before long they were all monkeying around, having a great time.
“Mums and dad were able to relax and sit back a bit or help organise the campfire for the all-important toasted marshmallows at the end of the session.
“We really hope this will continue to be a successful to add to our calendar of events throughout the year.
“The tickets for this event were snapped up within three minutes, so all the signs are there that this will be a great success.”
Local mum Julie Miller added:“we had a great morning at the Little Saplings Outdoor Play session. It was really well organised and a great idea to let the kids see what nature has to offer.
“The hosts were all really helpful and the location was good too. There was lots to explore, from a mud kitchen and a den to hunting for toy figures in the leaves.
“The bonfire at the end was great to bring everyone together, and all the kids loved toasting their marshmallows.
“I think this is a fantastic idea and hopefully more people will do something similar in their own areas to encourage the kids to get their wellies on and get muddy.”
The taster sessions are funded through Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership (CAVLP) and supported by the SLC Ranger service and OUTLET Play Resource.
Following the taster sessions, the park committee hope to enlist the help of willing parents to take the preschool group forward, then hope then to establish an additional group for older children. Stonehouse Old Folks Welfare Committee annual subscriptions can be paid and membership cards collected for the 2016/17 session in the youth room at Stonehouse Lifestyles on Thursday, August 11 between 10am and 12pm.