Up and Running April 11, 2007

Through the Doorway to Healthy Living a voluntary sector organisation has at long last succeeded in getting the Street Sports project on the road. The van is now out and about. The van was purchased in January 2007 after nearly a year’s delay to the project, through £150,000 funding from the Big Lottery Youth Fund for a three year period as well as funding from the Borough and County Council. Through January to March much work was taking place behind the scenes.  My thanks go to Steve Doyle from SABC transport section for negiotating a good price for the van and the art work, it’s much appreciated, thanks also to Paul Baines from Art and Vision for his help in reaching the final design and application to the van. We think and more importantly the young people think it’s a brillant job.

Two staff members were appointed in January, Jeremy Haycox as street sports play leader and Stephanie Lewis as play assistant, b oth make a great team and relate well to the kids they’re working with. Since February Jez and Steph and myself have been visiting junior schools in North Shrewsbury providing free play sessions after school and can have between 12 and 30 children attending. We’ve organised consultation with young people regarding what equipment they would like to see on the streets sports van as well as working with young people on the design for the van. We’re happy with the finished product and so are the kids using the van. They think it’s cool. So well done to Lucy Richards age 11 from Sundorne and Hayley Formstone age 13 from Monkmoor for your winning designs. Both girls received vouchers for £25 for their efforts and they will see their designs for a long time to come as the van is out and about around Shrewsbury.  More to come but need to be out and about this afternoon.