Youths are theatre week stars
VOLUNTEERS from an Edgeside based youth project helped run a family theatre week.
Around 200 children and their families attended the week at Fearns Community Sports College, organised by Sue Hopkinson from the Maden Community and Children’s Centre in Bacup.
Activities included performances of the Lion King and Charlie and The Chocolate Factory by the children, singalong sessions featuring songs from The Little Mermaid, a Be A Popstar activity, Zumba, puppets, a lantern workshop and a disco.
There was even a healthy tuck shop run by Whitewell ward councillor Amanda Robertson.
Jill Bevan, who runs the White Horse Project with her husband, Rod, said: “The week reaches out to families with nothing to do and not much money to spend.
“The cost is £20 for a family of five for the week and we waive the cost if there is a genuine need.
“It’s quite moving to see the parents, carers and children taking part together as the summer holidays can be stressful for parents, not knowing what to do with their kids.”
The theatre week is able to run thanks to funding from several sources including The Big Lottery Awards For All Fund.
Now in its 10th year, it focuses on keeping children active. Jill said: “There’s so much playing on phones and tablets now and we just want people to do something healthy and active.
“Teenagers get a lot of bad press but ours have done a great job.
“I know £10,000 sounds like a lot for just a week but the experience motivates the volunteers for months.”