Day of play for towns (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Basingstoke, Tadley and Whitchurch involved

11:00am Saturday 28th July 2012 in Local By Emily Roberts, Chief Reporter

A NATIONAL day of play will be marked in Basingstoke, Tadley and Whitchurch next week.

Circus skills, a bouncy castle and craft activities are just some of the free activities on offer on August 1.

Organised by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council , in partnership with RCS Play, to mark National Play Day, events will be held in Eastrop Park , The Hurst Community College , in Baughurst, and Testbourne Community School , in Whitchurch.

The fun starts at 11am and runs until 4pm, giving families the chance to play and learn together. Other activities include pond dipping, sport activities, face painting and scarecrow making. A children’s farm will also visit the Basingstoke and Whitchurch events.

The national day aims to highlight the importance of play, and encourage children to learn while having fun outside. Car parking at Eastrop Park will be limited to disabled badge holders only, and people are encouraged to use the free park-and-ride service from the Old Common, in London Road, available from 10.30am to 4.30pm, departing every 15 minutes.

Councillor Cathy Osselton, Cabinet member for partnerships at the borough council, said: “With school holidays beginning, many parents will be looking at what they can do with the children that will keep them amused and not break the bank. “This event will not only offer a great free day out for all the family but also give them ideas for activities that they could enjoy together throughout the summer.

“The Eastrop Park play day has always proved very popular, and I’m delighted that this year the Tadley and Whitchurch events will also be running all day.”