Community spirit built on estate

Published 15 Aug 2010 08:00 0 Comments

See also:

THE sun shone on the first community fun day at the Jennett's Park estate.

People from the new development, plus others from Bracknell and the surrounding area, gathered to see the displays in the arena, go on the bouncy castle, visit the stalls and meet people from different community groups.

The event last Sunday was opened by the Mayor of Bracknell Town, Cllr Graham Ellis, who said he was extremely honoured to be asked to open the first ever event. He added: "I think it is an absolutely brilliant idea to have the fun day. It will gel the community together. I wish them all success."

Work is still being carried out to build the remaining homes and facilities on the Jennett's Park estate which lies on the edge of Bracknell near the A329M. A number of developers are building or have already built homes on the site which will eventually house 1,300-1,500 homes.

Caroline Elkins, chairwoman of Jennett's Park Community Association, which organised the event, said: "The weather is gorgeous for us, so that's good. The fun day is so that we can build a community and get people together."

Bracknell community radio station Hug FM played music at the fun day and there were also arena displays from groups including Dance Energy and First Class Falconry.

One of the groups that had a stall was St Francis and St Clare, a church that has been planted at Jennett's Park from St Michael's Church in Easthampstead. The new church meets once a month at the Jennett's Park Community Centre but plans to meet at the new Church of England primary school when it is built.

Tim Sneller, from Great Hollands, a church member and a governor of the new school, said that estate needs a greater community spirit - as well as a notice board and a post box. He said: "It is good to get people together."

The school's newly-appointed headteacher, Maria Soulsby, also attended the fun day, where a provisional uniform of grey trousers and light blue sweatshirt with rainbow logo was on display for potential pupils and their parents to see.

Martin Wallbanks, 32, from Jennett's Park, went to the fun day with daughters Leah, seven, Amy, six and Rebecca, two. He said: "It's quite quiet round the estate at the moment so it's good to have something like this to do. The girls have enjoyed seeing the dance show."

Forest Park mum Tracy Munro, 34, who went to the event with son Hayden, one, and husband Ernest, said: "It's good to see what's here and there's lots of things for Hayden to do."

Members of the Great Hollands and Jennett's Park neighbourhood police team had a stall on the day, where they let children try on police helmets and have a look in the police van.

PCSO Taylor Walmsley said: "It is a great opportunity for us to engage with the residents, particularly the younger generation as well."

Youngsters were also able to climb up in a fire engine from Bracknell fire station, while their parents could pick up home safety information.

This article appeared in Villager 12 Aug 10

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.

Follow @bracknellnews