Last week, the Isle of Man saw its first Children’s Week. Similar days or week are held in 54 countries across the world, but 2010 was a first for the Isle of Man. Lots of different events took place across the Island from 17th – 23rd July; from BBQs to concerts, to BMX racing and cake sales.
Children’s Week was kicked off with The Children’s Centre’s Dance-A-Thon at Vagabonds Rugby Club on Saturday 17th July. This was a really fun event, even if a little damp – Represent Dance Company and Cookie the Clown put on a really good show! A torrent of water fights was unleashed from Douglas and headed to Castletown, Peel and Ramsey; it was ‘Smoothie Saturday’ at Cafe Laare with special offers on fruit filled beverages; the music group Bree were busking in Peel as part of the Yn Crunniaght and raised money for the National Autistic Society; and, the Venture Centre ran a taster session. On Sunday, Kirk Michael Methodist Church had a pirate themed Family Fun Praise, complete with a treasure hunt and a horn pipe jig; and, the Lion’s Club sponsored BMX racing at Mooragh Park, with the rain holding off just long for 35 children to show off their biking skills.
On Monday 19th July, the Rounders Tournament in Castletown was postponed due to the rain, but this didn’t stop the Onchan Entertainers taster session and the Ramsey Beach Bash! The Douglas and Western Neighbourhood Policing Team were out and about visiting Ballacloan and Willaston Schools, and Kirk Michael Badgers. Tuesday was The Children’s Centre’s ‘Cakes for Kids’ fundraising event which saw cake sales going on across the island – this has so far raised over £700! The Community Bus was stationed at the NSC with healthy eating advice from Health Visitors and School Nurses and advice on staying active from the skipping lady. Kirk Michael School hosted a ‘Summer Gala Concert’ featuring the Intermediate Youth Orchestra and the Young Magicians of Mann.
Wednesday was ‘Warm Coffee’ day at Cafe Laare; The Children’s Centre After School and Holiday Club held an Open evening; and, Laxey Youth Club had a ‘Proud to be Laxey Kids’ Beach BBQ. On Thursday, the Community Bus was parked outside Cronk y Berry School, packed with healthy snacks such as bananas, apples and grapes – there was also a queue to jump into the Double Dutch ropes! Manx National Heritage put on a ‘Sunset tour of Peel Castle’, with a real life Castle Guard (complete with armour and weapons); and, the Youth Club Beach Clean and BBQ at Hango Hill made a real difference to the beach at Derbyhaven, and was good fun! Friday was Frappe Friday at Cafe Laare and the Western and Eastern Neighbourhood Policing Team dropped into the Philip Christian Centre with ‘Westy’, and dropped into Laxey and Onchan Youth Clubs.
For a selection of photos click here.
For more information, and to see all the pictures, or to suggest something for next year, check out Children’s Week on facebook, contact Chrissy Cannell or call 01624 631918.
