Wokingham

Wokingham District Council’s community wardens and youth workers made a big splash with young people on Sunday (August 20) when they hosted a family fun day at the Wokingham Waterside Centre.

The family fun day, organised by Wokingham district council’s community wardens, encouraged the young people to learn more about water safety whilst having fun at the same time. After a short induction, they put these new skills to the test in a series of team races in Katakanu boats –a catamaran-style boat, which is almost unsinkable! The boat seats four to six people and each team had to work together to have the best chance of being able to win the competition.

And the winning team was ‘Finch Massive’ comprising Finchampstead and Arborfield residents Martin Kelly aged 16, Oliver Schofield aged 14, James Butler aged 15, Daytona Earley aged 10, Lee Chapman aged 16 and Adam Rafferty aged 18. All the youngsters received a medal for taking part in the day and the winning team was presented with a trophy by Wokingham executive member for community safety Cllr Barrie Patman.

As well as the water activities, there was a bouncy castle and the mobile bike doctor, who was on hand to give advice and guidance on maintenance of bikes. Over 40 children and 40 adults were entertained throughout the afternoon by the mobile youth service before enjoying a delicious barbeque.

The community wardens had an information display offering members of the local community a chance to find out more about the services they provide throughout the Wokingham district. There were also information displays from the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Royal Berkshire Ambulance Trust.

Wokingham Cllr Barrie Patman said: “The family fun day was fantastic and it was great to see so many youngsters as well as their families and friends coming along and enjoying the festivities. The waterside fun day was a huge success and many of the youngsters said they would like to take part in this type of activity more often. We certainly hope to run this event next year.”

“I would like to remind youngsters of the many activities on offer at the district’s youth centres, which promise to keep them entertained in the last few weeks of the summer holidays. Why not go along and see what’s on?”

Roderick Mertens, Wokingham community warden, said: “The council’s community wardens have worked with the youth service and tenant services to organise this fun day. It was a huge success and there was a real sense of team spirit and pride amongst the young people who took part. They all thoroughly enjoyed themselves.”

Nigel Shaw, head of youth services, said: “The event had a real family feel to it and enabled young people to undertake activities with their family and younger siblings. All the young people said they had thoroughly enjoyed the event and I hope next year we can build on the experience.”

Wokingham District Council