ORGANISERS of a two-week Family Learning Festival in Melksham have hailed its success as scores of parents and children turned out for a half-term programme of free activities and events.
The Melksham Area Board teamed up with local partners and activity providers to organise the fortnight of activities from October 14 to 29 to inspire a love of learning in family life.
There are 17 free events and activities taking place in the Melksham Community Area ensuring the Family Learning Festival is accessible to everyone.
Rhys Schell, Wiltshire Council’s Community Engagement Manager, put together the programme, working with local clubs, groups and services.
He said: "I am delighted we were able to put on some great events over the two weeks of the festival.
“It was a great success and I’m grateful to the organisations who took part, as without them we wouldn’t have been able to create as much of a buzz for learning around the town. It was amazing to see so many local people, young and old, enjoying themselves as families.”
The events included a circus skills workshop at the Melksham Town Hall; bug house building with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust at the Conigre Mead Nature Reserve; a family adventure trail starting at Melksham Library; an open day at Melksham Fire Station, with Wiltshire Scrapstore offering ‘emergency vehicles’ themed arts and craft activity inside; baby gym taster session run by Wiltshire School of Gymnastics at the Town Hall, the mobile museum ‘Time Machine’ session at Melksham Library.
Jon Hubbard, chair of Melksham Area Board, said: “This innovative and beneficial programme offers families in the Melksham community area an opportunity to take part in a variety of activities with one another.
“It will also provide parents and children with confidence in learning as well as supporting children’s achievements at school, and raising their aspirations. I’m looking forward to seeing as many people as possible participating in the events.”
For details, contact Rhys Schell on rhys.schell@wiltshire.gov.uk or visit the community matters site.
The Town Hall and Melksham Library also have leaflets detailing all the events and activities in the programme.
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