Big Fun Day for East Northwich and Rudheath Neighbourhood

Families and communities in East Northwich and Rudheath neighbourhoods enjoyed a "Big Fun Day" (news story 10th May 2010)

The task given was to stage a neighbourhood wide event aimed at families and all communities within the neighbourhood area.  The idea was first raised by PCSO Angela Richardson in the latter end of 2009.  Angela raised the idea with Rudheath Parish Council who were unable to support the initiative at that time.

Following discussion with Steve Newson (CWAC Neighbourhood Manager) it was agreed that the event should become part of the wider neighbourhood management roll out as this approach is more likely to offer alternative options and resources beyond that of the parish council.  In March a small group of representatives met to discuss the event and this was led by Rudheath Parish Council Chairman, Alison Gerrard.  The outcome of the meeting was that a specific Big Fun Day (BFD) Committee be set-up, chaired by Alison and that the target date for the event was Sunday 2nd May - a mere seven weeks away!

The BFD committee soon got established with a new account being set up, a secretary identified, treasurer in place, community representatives identified and a set of plans developed.  From this point on the BFD committee had their work cut out; this was going to be a considerable feat to deliver in the timescales set. But not to be deterred by the challenge the committee set about their tasks, which included:

• Finding a venue suitable and secure for access by all
• Establishing car parking facilities nearby, but encouraging people to walk or use local transport
• Making contact with event organisers and activity providers
• Identifying funding streams and sponsors
• Applying for appropriate licenses to hold the event
• Setting up agreements, supplier contracts etc
• Managing cash flow
• Having contingency arrangements for late cancellations and issues
• Creating marketing material, press releases, posters and fliers
• Distributing marketing material.

Like everything in life ‘sods law’ played its part and, credit where credit is due, the committee and its supporters pulled out the stops when it was needed. Normally these types of events have about 6 months to plan and prepare and that’s when they’ve been doing it for a few years. The biggest issues you have with such a short window of opportunity is that you don’t have the luxury of contingency time to resolve matters, nor do you have sufficient time to allow activities to take place prior to the main event, for example:

• Unable to apply for a premises licence, timescales too short….remedy two events licences, one for alcohol, one for entertainment.
• £5million public liability insurance required for all stall holders. 10 days lost in re negotiating voluntary stall providers’ requirements with insurance company.
• Final sponsors not agreed until 6 days prior to the event, impacting activities, press releases and circulating flyers etc.

However, on a positive note, the short time scales kept everyone’s attentions focused on the matters in hand, and an effective committee kept the deliverables on target.

The week building up to the event was manic, with everyone pulling out the stops to get the final activities completed, last minute hiccups were quickly dealt with and stress levels probably went up two fold!

The weather decided to have an impact with temperatures dropping rapidly and a torrential downpour the night before the event.  Sunday morning was definitely chilly and little sight of the sun we had seen for the two previous weeks.  Nevertheless, by 1pm everything was in place and people were starting to arrive. The BFD had officially kicked off!

Raffle tickets were quickly being sold with some really good prizes up for grabs, many of which had been donated by local businesses in the neighbourhood. The kiddies fun fair was very popular and the queues were building up on the Bungee duel and human table top football.

The main sporting events of tug-of-war against the Police, egg and spoon and wellie throwing were enthusiastically undertaken with some really encouraging support from families and followers.  By late afternoon some 500 people had attended.  Further entertainment was provided into the evening with local bands and a tribute ABBA band keeping people warmed up in what was becoming a very cold day.

The BFD event finished at 9pm, with everyone off site by 9:30 and the final equipment leaving at 10:30pm.  A follow-up visit the next day confirmed that the venue had remained intact!  No issues, no litter, no damage, the Rudheath Primary School playing field would recover in time for Tuesdays school activities!

Initial feedback is that local residents enjoyed the event, with a few minor issues that will be resolved in time for next years event, yes there’s no holding us back now we’ve got the ‘taste’ for it!

So now we need to send out the thank you letters to all those who sponsored activities, provided funds or other support, then start to look at our next event for the summer!

For further information, contact Steve Newson (Neighbourhood Manger) on 01606 42126 or e-mail: steve.newson@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk