Quad biking, craft workshops and paint-balling are just some of the activities that youngsters in the Ely area have enjoyed this summer thanks to a £9,200 grant from Awards for All.

The Barns Young People’s Forum on the Barns Estate in Ely was successful in its bid for funding from Awards for All. The multi-agency group including local residents and representatives from Sanctuary Hereward, the Police, East Cambridgeshire District Council and ADeC (Arts Development in East Cambridgeshire), has now been running for three years.

The activities, which took place over the summer holidays, were open to children and young people from four to 17-years-old who live not only on the Barns estate but anywhere in Ely or the surrounding villages. Multi-sports sessions took place at the City of Ely Community College and included professional golf coaching from staff at local golf course Ely on Par on Downham Road.

There were great days out at Wicken Fen, Denny Abbey, Wildtracks and Mepal Outdoor Centre, and some brave youngsters even had a go at holding snakes, tarantulas, scorpions and other creepy crawlies during a visit from animal lovers ZooLab. Music, dance and craft workshops were also very successful.

All events and activities were offered at a discounted price and included transport where necessary. If anyone is interested in being part of the Barns Young People’s Forum or would like further information regarding future activities, please contact Jo Batchelor, community initiatives officer, on 01353 668238 or 07768 142515 during office hours.

15 August 2007