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Fun throughout the ages

The fun day which was themed around fun through the ages and titled ‘100 years of Toys and Games’ included toys from yesteryear on loan from The Victoria & Albert Museum of Childhood.

Gillian Hunter, Schools Officer for the V & A Museum of Childhood said, "We were really pleased to support this community fun day. Visitors were able to play with classic games like, "Whip & Tops," "Cups & Balls" and "Spinning Tops." There were also Victorian Dolls to see, 1950’s teddy bears and model cars and 1920’s lead soldiers on display.

In addition to the yesteryear attractions there were fair rides, bouncy castles, face painting, an army assault course, the latest police equipment together with Police fingerprinting for children and much more. The day was officially opened by Neil Kefford and some of children’s favourite lifesize characters including Noddy, Humpty Dumpty, Mini Mouse and Shrek .

Entry and attractions on the day were free, however a raffle, bric-a-brac, name the teddy and guess the number of sweets in a cake raised £1400 for Macmillan Cancer Support specifically to help get a cancer care unit at Medway Hospital, our chosen charity for 2008.

BBC Southeast’s popular news reader Geoff Clark brought a big smile to lots of faces as he posed with them for photos and signed autographs. He also joined Tenant Board Member Eileen Kenward and Ashley Hook, Housing Director of mhs homes to judge three age categories of ‘ My favourite Toy’ competition.

Charles Brangwin, Head of Housing at mhs homes said "This year we listened to feedback from our customers and included head and shoulder massages, Indian food, henna painting. Gold customers received VIP treatment in a marquee with free refreshments, exclusive competitions and the chance to chat with Geoff Clark".

PCSO Rikki McMachan from Kent Police said "This was the sixth year that we have worked on the fun days with mhs homes for people in the local community. It was a great success and a good opportunity to integrate with young people who loved the chance to try out the lights and sirens in the Police vehicles. They also enjoyed testing their football skills with Gillingham Football Club and the mhs homes Speedcage. The army assault course was an extremely popular attraction for all ages. Radio Invicta kept everyone entertained throughout the day with help from Maidstone Majorettes who gave four lively performances".

Emily Simmonds from Princess Park said, " I have come along to the mhs fun days for the past couple of years and the kids have really enjoyed themselves. There is a real community spirit here. My three kids loved seeing what a mobile Police cell looked like inside, thoroughly enjoyed the coconut shy and rides and generally had a good time."

More pictures of the Tenants Fun Day 2008 here!