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Roundhay Live a Resounding Success!
| Published: 19th June 2011 19:48 |
The first ever Roundhay Live event happened yesterday, Saturday 18th June, on Soldier's Field in Roundhay and was greeted enthusiastically by local residents.
Roundhay Live was organised by REAP (Roundhay Environmental Action Project); FoRP (Friends of Roundhay Park); and FGVW (Friends of Gledhow Valley Woods). The idea behind the event was to bring all the local Community groups together to showcase the fantastic activities that happen in Roundhay and the surrounding areas. There was representation from environmental groups; performing arts; children's centres and schools; sports clubs; churches; and many more.
The emphasis was very much on interactive stalls, with visitors to the event being able to join in sporting activities, make things and play games and enter competitions.
The food stalls were mainly local producers, many who regularly have a stall at the Oakwood Farmer's Market, which happens the third Saturday of each month.
The afternoon started at 1pm with local musician Johnny Parkes opening in the Performance tent with people arriving to have a picnic before visiting all the stalls. The event was then officially opened at 2pm by MP Fabian Hamilton, who was lucky to be able to have a quick chat with Simon Buckden who was completing the 19th of his 100 marathon challenge in Roundhay Park yesterday. For those of you who don't know Simon, he is attempting to run 100 marathons in 100 weeks to raise awareness of PTSD and to raise money for Help the Heroes. He finished his marathon later that day in a time of 4hrs 8 mins. To find out more about Simon and his challenge visit www.bmycharity.com/100marathons.
Following on from the official opening, the stalls were a hub of activity with local residents being introduced to groups and activities that they previously hadn't known existed in Roundhay. After much worrying all week about what the weather was going to do (at one point storms were predicted!) it turned out to be a lovely day which helped people enjoy the event even more.
There was a cricket match being played for visitors to go and watch and the bowling club was open providing activites and a tombola. There really was something for everyone.
Ann Wilkinson who was manning the Friends of Gipton Wood stall said: "This 1st Roundhay Live has been such a resounding success. A satisfying number of people browsed our stall and quite a few took us up on our offer of a guided walk round Gipton Wood"
Comments from visitors to the event included:
"Today was great we thought .Like a village fete. Hopefully it will be an annual event."
"We loved the bowling green and the scones and cream. In fact all the food stalls were great."
"What a fantastic day - a very relaxed atmosphere with so many activities for the children."
On behalf of the organisers, REAP Chair Pat Urry said:
"Roundhay Live was a marvellous community event and a great success based on feedback so far. It was amazing to see so many different local groups including churches and schools coming together. Lots of volunteers worked hard to make it happen and be part of it - a great example of what a community can do".
Gavin from Gavin Bain Images has captured some wonderful pictures of the day, I hope you enjoy them:
Rock Choir
Fabian Hamilton officially opens the event
Fabian Hamilton chats to Simon Buckden mid marathon
Friends of Roundhay Park stall
Friends of Gledhow Valley Woods stall
Rose Forgrove Chess Club
The Parochial Home Guard Snooker Club Car
Cll Matthew Lobley enjoying the day with local residents
Radio Roundhay were broadcasting
Oakwood Farmer's Market Competition
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