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WymondhamHubFISHElisabethLouis
Wymondham project gives children free holiday fun 

Whether it’s handling a snake, learning circus skills or trying their hand at African drumming, youngsters have been enjoying a unique, bumper experience at Hub Community Project in Wymondham. Sandie Shirley reports.

The Project at Ayton Road provides fun in the school holidays (FISH) with afternoon activities for up to 60.  Youngsters aged five to 11 are invited to attend the events that are staged once a week. The sessions are run by a team of volunteers including experienced children’s worker, Elisabeth Louis, who was first inspired by a similar successful project in Norwich.
 
The Hub sessions begin with lunch followed by a host of unique, fun workshops. “The meals are freshly prepared in our kitchens and may include a buffet-style option but a hot lunch is always available,” says Elisabeth.
 
During the last 18 months, since the sessions began, there has been a visit from a variety of specialist companies. One came with snakes and creepy crawlies for the children to handle, another provided puppet-making materials and instruction. Others have organised science, circus, drumming and animation workshops.  
 
The circus workshop was so popular with one child, who learnt to juggle, that she wanted some circus tricks for Christmas, explains Elisabeth.  
 
“The pottery session was my favourite as every child painted a piece of pottery.  After firing, the mugs, plates and bowls were used by the children when they had afternoon tea with their parents,” says Elisabeth, who encourages parents and younger siblings to join the regular, invitation only, lunch and workshop activities with their children if they wish.
 
Various schools in Wymondham and the surrounding area are sent invites for FISH which they only send to parents of children who they feel would benefit and the parents, in turn, respond directly to Hub Community Project.  
 
Forthcoming sessions on Wednesdays in the summer holidays will be available from 12.45pm-2.15pm on August 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29.
 
Hub Community Project is a charity whose initiatives have snowballed since it began eight years ago. The regular and varied activities to help strengthen the local community include outings and imaginative activities for carers and those they care for through ‘Cup of Caring’. ‘Meeting Point’ builds a bridge to those who feel lonely and isolated. There is also a youth café for those in school years six to 13 and monthly Saturday sessions are organised for dads and their under-fives.
 
In addition, the regular weekly ‘Hoppers’ for pre-schoolers and their minders have grown in popularity with crafts, friendship and refreshments.
 
To see the full range of activities visit www.hubproject.org.uk 

Pictured above is children’s worker, Elisabeth Louis, at the Wymondham Hub FISH holiday session.

 


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