Read all the latest news from Incommunities.
7 April 2009
Scores of people and families had a great time at a big fun day (Sat, 4 April) organised by an enterprising group of young people from the Braithwaite and Guard House estate in Keighley.
Bun stalls, face painting, a lucky dip, bingo, Easter Egg hunt and competitions were just some of the attractions for visitors to the event at the Rainbow Children’s Centre at Braithwaite.
Coaches from Keighley Cougars showed youngsters basic rugby skills and local Police Community Support Officers joined in a penalty shoot out. Fire fighters from West Yorkshire Fire Service also brought along a fire engine which proved very popular with the crowds.
Keighley MP Ann Cryer and Keighley Town Mayor Amjad Zaman joined representatives from partner organisations at the event.
The fun day raised a fantastic £294 which the young people will be donating to the Special Care Baby Unit at Airedale Hospital.
The event was organised as part of Dreamscheme – a project which encourages young people to work together to help improve life in their neighbourhood and also learn new skills.
The young peoples’ plans were drawn up during six weekly evening sessions held at the Rainbow Children’s Centre which included designing posters promoting the fun day and arranging the stalls and attractions.
The youngsters were supported by local volunteers from the estate, Incommunities staff and the Braithwaite and Guard House Community Association.
Dreamscheme works by rewarding the participants for their time and work and the group of young people are looking forward to going on a trip to Flamingo Land over the Easter school holidays.
Sheldon Wright (12) of North Dean Road said: “It was a fantastic day as we all had jobs to do. I helped with the tombola and everyone worked to make it a special event.”
Zabair Rasul, Director of Incommunities – aire-wharfe office said: “The event was a fantastic example of how young people can make a difference and be positive role models for their generation.
“The fun day was their ‘dream scheme’ and everyone was delighted to see it turn into a community celebration for everyone.
“A big thank you to everybody who made it such a special event from the efforts of the young people and volunteers to the support of Braithwaite and Guard House residents.”
The Dreamscheme was funded by Incommunities and Bradford Council’s Keighley Area Coordinators Office.