HOW OFTEN do parents dread those two little words in the summer holidays from their children "I'm bored !" The children's forum in the village has certainly not had time to get bored in Crossways as they work towards their goals.

This group has been campaigning and working towards the installation of a skateboard bowl Youth shelter and MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) on the playing field site. Unlike many young people they have listened and appreciated the process that these projects have to go through and shown great patience, To their credit they have also been working really hard in the community to raise their profile in a constructive way and have earned the respect of a great deal of those involved in the community. Some of them travelled to Westminster to meet with Jim Knight and bring him up to date with the scheme and securing his support.

Now they have come up with the idea of a village fun day and challenge at the playing fields and have come up with a novel and exciting event. By approaching local people they have secured pledges of help and donations to put on this ambitious activity.

A series of challenges are planned involving assault course, games of skill and challenge, fun activities and the chance to earn a certificate by completing their own passport' earning stickers at each base. There are also opportunities for adults to have a go and probably be shown up by the youngsters but all in the name of support for the youth of Crossways.

Parish Council Chairman, Joyce Rhodes is running a cake stall, the scouts manning a barbecue and with face painting, Punch & Judy, a bouncy castle (sponsored by Magna Housing), beat the goalie, village stocks, ice cream, archery and so much more. I know offers of help or donations for the raffle and stalls would be much appreciated.

Our newest parish councillor Barry Thomas will also be there with a demonstration and opportunity to participate in archery. It is hoped that the local youth football squads will also be represented as well as beavers, cubs and scouts. The Playgroup has loaned some of its big ride on toys for the toddlers and pre school children to join in on.

Even if you can only spare an hour a pair of willing hands would be found good use. Residents may have already seen the youngsters delivering leaflets about the event. Ably supported by Kris Hallett from Dorset Community Action and our own PSCO Vickie Hedges.

Vickie said "Over two days, members of the Crossways Youth Forum helped deliver 600 leaflets to houses in the village. This was to promote the Crossways Community Challenge Fun Day on Sat 30th August on Dick O the Banks Road Sports Field. This is in aid of the Open Spaces Project including a Skate Bowl and MUGA for the Sports Field. This shows their dedication to make the Fun Day a real success.

I was thrilled how they all worked together so well (bigger ones were helping the little ones reach the high up letterboxes!) and they were all polite and courteous and all crossed the road safely. They all deserve a big thank you and well done" PSCO Vickie All proceeds will be added to the funds already raised and the children haven't stopped there. I gather they have been busy putting together applications for grants and support which shows great commitment and energy. The day should give Crossways the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the younger members of the community and we hope for a fine event.

  • SUPPORTING the playing fields project the parish council decided at its last meeting to create a council sub-committee to oversee the process. It is a sign of the great regard that the youth forum has been given that a representative from the group will be included in the committee.

The councillors agreed that the sub committee which replaced the steering group would also include the opportunity for representation from other interested groups. Above all the process of informing the public would be a top priority. Agendas and minutes of the sub committee would be produced in accordance with the standing orders which govern to workings of the parish council rather than having a separate constitution for a steering group.