In town’s 70th year, can you help Stevenage mark 50 golden summers of play?
Chells adventure playground in the 1970s - Credit: Archant
In the 70th year of Stevenage New Town, Stevenage Borough Council has kicked off celebrations to mark 50 years of providing free play services and is on the hunt for some of its play centres’ stars of the past.
Knewbworth Park in the 1990s - Credit: Archant
Mayor of Stevenage, Councillor John Lloyd, visited play centres across Stevenage yesterday as part of Play Day, a national campaign promoting ‘a child’s right to play’.
While he was at the play centres, the Mr Lloyd told children and their families about 50 years of play and how they can get involved in the celebrations over the coming year.
Since the Play service began in 1966, the hearts and imaginations of generations of Stevenage children have been captured by centres and holiday schemes at the town’s many children’s centres including Bandley Hill, St Nicholas, and Pin Green.
Other stand-out play moments have included the play bus, the annual Mad Hatter’s tea party and the annual Christmas party.
Playbus at Kimbolton in the 1980s. - Credit: Archant
As the year-long celebrations begin, the council’s Play team has dusted off some of their favourite photos from the past and would like anyone who recognises a familiar face to get in touch.
Mr Lloyd, said: “If you spot yourself, or someone you know, in any of the pictures then please get in contact with us as we would like to get you involved in the celebrations to mark 50 years of play work.
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“We would also like to hear from people if they remember the Mad Hatter’s tea party, took a ride on the Play Bus, raced a raft at the lakes or attended one of the play centres so we can share their memories with the children of today.
“With more than 61,000 children attending sessions at the play centres last year, it’s clear that play is still a much loved and much used service.”
Stevenage Borough Council has kicked off celebrations to mark 50 years of providing free play services in the town and is on the hunt for some of the play centres’ stars of the past. The Mayor of Stevenage, Councillor John Lloyd CC, visited play centres across Stevenage yesterday as part of Play Day, a national campaign promoting ‘a child’s right to play’. While he was at the play centres, the Mayor told children and their families about 50 years of play and how they can get involved in the celebrations over the next year. Bandley Hill in the 1960s . - Credit: Archant
If you star in one of the photos, or have memories of play in Stevenage from the past 50 years, then please contact Stevenage Borough Council at playsection@stevenage.gov.uk, or call into your local play centre and speak to staff.
Summer play schemes are currently running across Stevenage throughout the school holidays.
For more information, contact the council’s Play Officer on 01438 242246 or visit www.stevenage.gov.uk/play.
