150 children in 2 days!
"Out of the house, off their devices, in the fresh air.
What's not to love about that?"
- parent from Holiday Club
Our free easter holiday club supported by the National Lottery Community Fund was a great success this year. Running over two days, more than 150 children enjoyed playing in the wild space. We ran things slightly differently this year, with families welcome to join their children in the morning, meaning that around 60 adults also got to join in the fun!
In the afternoon, children could attend on their own, some leaving their caring responsibilities or other pressures at home for a few hours. They got creative in the craft area, muddy in the mud kitchen and curious at the pond. Everyone got along and left rather tired with some a little tearful to be leaving. But everyone agreed they had had a great time. Here is some of the lovely feedback from the children and at the end of the newsletter we hear from the parents.
"It's my first time here and I LOVE it!!"
"I liked the pond and the craft and the mud kitchen and the snacks and the maze and the hammocks."
"I had a great time building a den in the tree."
"This is my special place."
"Can we come again tomorrow?"
In the Frame
The men in sheds team have been working on a huge project (quite literally) over the last few weeks for Farnham Council. They have been creating large frames for the Council green houses to help with the Farnham In Bloom efforts. It was such an achievement as it was a large undertaking and we are incredibly proud of all the team!
getting ready to grow
The volunteers have been able to enjoy the recent good weather and continue to do a great job tending to the beds, getting things growing and allowing it to look its natural best. Compost heaps were turned, seeds sown, and beds filled with soil. A lot of work during the Spring months. Huge thank you to Farnham Waitrose who, through the work Alice in the community engagement team, have kindly donated plants during the Spring months.
parenting together
As the Spring Talking Teens course came to an end parents shared how attending the course has helped them navigate these years of the parenting journey; 'This has been just what I needed. Knowing what I'm going through is normal! And feeling less alone' Huge thanks to Farnham Town Council and their ongoing support and belief in this course for local parents.
We still have spaces on our Nurturing course starting on Monday 11th May. Please email info@theparentingspace.space to find out more.
featuring space2grow!
We were delighted to be featured in Surrey Wildlife Trusts latest video. Working closely with local people, Surrey Wildlife are looking to restore local habitats and help once-common species like Hedgehogs, House Sparrows and Slow-worms recover. We are proud to be a wild, natural, space, so central in Farnham, encouraging all types of wildlife.
working party
Huge thank you to those who came along to the working party on Saturday. Sweetpea teepees were built (Sweeteepees!), willows pollarded, lavenders planted and dogs hugged. We will be hosting another weekend working party in the summer. If you have enjoyed visiting space2grow or your children have been able to visit through school or one of our clubs please help us maintain it by joining one of our working groups. Email info@space2grow.space and we will add you to the list.
come and say hi!
We will be at the Sustainability Festival on Sunday 17th May in Gostrey Meadow. Come and find us. This year there will be a new area focused on children's mental health and wellbeing where you will find us with partner organisations.
reflections from the acre...
We end the newsletter with heartfelt thanks from the families and adults who accompanied their children at the Easter Club
"Thank you for running the morning family sessions. I really appreciate being able to bring my child who has SEND. He had a great time, doing his thing, while my other children played with friends. There isn't anywhere else that I can do that, and so the holidays are very hard."
"I have been bringing the children to the holiday clubs since they started. I can honestly say they are one of the highlights of our holidays and we eagerly await the invitation."
"An inclusive place where all are welcome, no judgement, just joy."
"Well organised, beautiful space, lots to do and Catherine and her team did an amazing job."
