- The ‘grandad’ of the playgrounds Philip
Everyone had a great day
Today not even the rain could put a damper on the Cherry Lane Adventure Playgound’s family fun day. Families from all over Crawley and some from further afield turned up with their children in tow to enjoy their day. Some brought picnics, others just brought themselves and something to sit on. The playground was amass with happy, smiley children, running around, trying out all the different equipment available. The park consists of two skate ramps, one large skate and bike area, two zip wire areas (one of which is included in the Court Jail building), a Wild West play area, a toddlers’ play area, a mini trampoline and, of course, two buildings for rainy days which hold various equipment and toys. In addition to the usual activities, there was face painting, four inflatables (gladiators, little princess, animal slide and inflatable basketball), glass painting and there were also some children’s books for sale.
Mr Jassie serving up refreshing ice creams
The whole day was in aid of raising money for the playground. Cherry Lane has been open, entertaining children, for many years. I used to visit regularly and have some great memories, ones that were reignited when I bumped into Philip Hayes. Philip is the ‘grandad’ of the adventure playgrounds in Crawley and has looked after ’our children’ for over twenty years! Philip retired eight years ago but still comes along to see the children from the past, most of them now with their own little ones.
Philip has not hung up his helpful hat just yet as he volunteers his time to Crawley Gateway Club who are affiliates of Mencap. If Crawley gave MBEs to deserving individuals, Philip would be our first choice, although awards have been presented to Philip in the past. Thank you for looking after me when I was a youngster, Phil! x
Another face well known to the children of Crawley is Bob Carney. Bob retired last year but still came along to enjoy the day and to see some familiar faces. Seems these dedicated people just can’t stay away, even when they are no longer expected to work. Now that is dedication!
Dawn loves to dance
The children were looked after by the usual suspects: Brenda, Claire Connor and Mr. Frank on face-painting, Michelle
Even the young ones enjoy skating
Matthews and Luke Foster on glass painting and book sales and Ryan Ripley keeping a watchful eye on the inflatable basketball. Donny Rogers was keeping an eye on the animal bouncy slide, Paul McKinly looked out for the toddlers in thier own little playarea which included a mini bouncy castle and Vicki Walder was supervising the gladiator inflatable. Responsibility for ticket sales was shared between Beverly Loxston, Dawn Parkinson and Debbie Roberts. Refreshments were served by Robyn Walder. The playground and staff take such care over the grounds, that they even had Andy walking around picking up any stray litter which may have been accidently dropped during the day.
Ice creams were sold by Whippy Ices. Owner Mr. Jassie told us he was making a donation to help raise money for the playground and thought it was a splendid day all round. Nice work, Mr. Jassie.
We were entertained all day with music, karaoke (especially any songs performed by young John, who has a great voice). We had performances by Deb’s Egyptian Belly Dancers, care of Louise Ryrie Smith Dance and Drama School, based in Northgate and a dance lesson from Michaela of Pirouette Performers Oriel Dance Studio, based in Maidenbower. The children and their families thoroughly enjoyed all the entertainment.
Mini trampoline is great exercise
Face painting tent was a big hit
We asked a few of the parents about their thoughts on this wonderful day. Kelly Golder said, “Apart from the brief rain shower, it has been another great day. I have been coming to Cherry Lane for nineteen years with my children”.
Paul Williams of Tilgate said “it’s my first time here and the kids are having a brilliant time. If I go somewhere like this and I don’t see my children for long periods of time, then I know they are having fun and I do not need to worry. We will definitely be back next year”.
We had a great day. If you were unable to make this years family fun day, then keep an eye out for next years dates which we will try and get to you as early as possible so you can make arrangements to come along and have fun with the family!
Inflatables galore!
We received an update from Dawn Parkinson just before goiing live with this story. Dawn told us “we would like to thank the Crawley Happy Times for coming down and thought you might like to know we had 750 children and adults attend the fun day with a massive total of £1,400 being raised for the playground and new equipement. We would like to thank everyone who came down and made it such a great day”.
Leanne Hussey was on the sweet counter
Andy helps clean up
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Looks a fantastic day – we’ll be along to Cherry Lane in September to run some taster sessions throughout the day. We’ll take some pictures for the ‘happytimes’! Looking forward to a great day out!