East London News A Force for the community…
Emdad Rahman
Hundreds of residents turned out for the Ocean & Limehouse Field Community Fun Day which took place on Saturday 5th September at Shandy Park, Stepney.
Two keen youngsters appear to be battering the life out of a large ball. Was this the “training in how to be a local councillor” event?
The Fun Day was arranged as a way of engaging all members of the community and seeking their views and suggestions on how to make the local area a better place in which to live, work and stay. Members of the community were given the opportunity to try out various activities offered by local services, schools, statutory and voluntary organisations.
“All our visitors have had an enjoyable and productive experience today,” said event manager Shibbir Ahmed. “A lot of useful information was made available for our locals in a format that is easy and accessible. We engaged and encouraged as many local people and organisations to take part and help promote the event and we haven’t been disappointed with the turnout. We have had to seek emergency reinforcements after running out of barbeque food items. I think we can all agree that it has been a very fun and productive day.”
Fokrul Hoque (centre) was a keen visitor to the fun day.
Fokrul Hoque from Tower Hamlets Homes is a former resident of the area. “The presence of local service providers and fun and engaging activities has been a winning formula. Resident surveys have been completed by young people and this has demonstrated positive engagement and willingness of residents to share their views, concerns and suggestions,” he said.
“I have had so much fun,” said Jamila Khan, a pupil at Central Foundation Girls School. “My dad and brother Usman came too and I met my uncle and cousins. We played football and I won a medal as well. The beef burgers were delicious and so was the ice cream.”
Glamming up for the day!
Afazul Hoque from Stepney Football Club added: “Our volunteers have been here since the early morning and we have been a part of the rich tapestry that has made such a fun day possible. The Stepney FC football tournament was very popular and plenty of young people won medals and trophies. Lots of parents were impressed with our healthy living ethos and many signed their children up for the team. It’s been a great day out and we have been lucky with the weather.”
Youngsters show up at the Fun Day.
Supporting Organisations for the event included Wendy Watkins and The Salvation Army. Volunteers set up a snacks gazebo and served hot tea and coffee to visitors all day long. Other organisations present included: Ocean Regeneration Trust (ORT), Tower Hamlets Homes (THH), East Thames Housing, Gateway Housing, Limehouse Project, Stepney Foundation, The Ragged School Museum and Ocean Youth Connexions (OYC).
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