Cherwell Council's activity days coming to a close

Between Tuesday, May 31 and Friday, June 3, recreation and sport activators David Norridge and Edward Frape have been touring public parks across Banbury, Bicester, Steeple Aston and Yarnton offering free activities for eight to 16 year olds.

The scheme is funded in part by the CDC along with contributions from outside partners and is designed to encourage kids to make new friends, get some exercise and try out new activities.

Mr Frape said: “A lot of kids we found are stuck in their ways and just want to play football, we do play football but not always.”

Mr Norridge added: “We try and introduce them to new games like catch the flag and dodgeball, multi-skilled events.”

The last free activity session will be held Friday, June 3 starting in Steeple Aston from 1pm to 2pm and ending at Yarton’s Rutten Lane Park between 2.30pm and 3.30pm.

Councillor George Reynolds, CDCs deputy leader, said: “Sometimes it can be tough to find fun and affordable ways to keep children busy during half term. Our Activator programme is the perfect solution. Instead of spending their days sat in front of a screen, we urge local children to join David and Edward for some fresh air and inspiring activities.”

He added:“The sessions are free of charge and open to children between eight and 16. By all means bring a friend, but don’t be shy of showing up unaccompanied; this is an ideal way to make friends. We look forward to welcoming as many of children as possible over half term.”

The recreation and sports activators have so far visited six locations and the response has been fair. Mr Norridge said: “The response hasn’t been as good as we were hoping but the weather has not been brilliant. It’s weather dependant but in good weather we can have between 20 and 30 kids show up.”

He added: “We do have kids though that come no matter what the weather is doing.”