On Tuesday 17th August our dedicated Crack a Craft team joined with the staff of the Bluebell Children's Centre for a morning at the beach .... Tilehouse Street by the sea!
Over 70 children and their families joined us, which at first took us a little by surprise! Many of these families were our "regular crackers" but also new families connected with the Children's Centre. A wonderful time was shared by all together with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere throughout the morning.
The seaside crafts in the hall proved popular: there were windmills to decorate, ice-cream cones to make, sand bottles to fill, biscuits to ice, play doh to mould (not made by nessa!) and boats to make and test on the water. Our FNF girls once again did a marvelous job of face-painting.
The church was transformed into a seaside resort with beach huts, a beach cafe and Doris the donkey came along too! Here families, especially those with babies, could relax on the beach while the children played with a great selection of toys and dressing up clothes provided by the Children's Centre.
By 11am we were ready for some refreshments including ice-creams! Then we gathered in the church for a story, singing, fun with the parachute and ended with a fishy version of the Okey Cokey ("you put your right fin in/out and shake it all about"..... you get the picture!)
There was a lot of positive feedback from parents, staff and volunteers alike and I certainly hope we can work alongside and support our community in this way again.
The families were grateful for the welcome and fun they experienced, and many expressed interest in our future Cracker events and other church groups.
Nessa Rackham.
