On Saturday 17th August, Whiteway Green (formerly Rosewarn Park) saw hundreds of locals come together for a revival of the old ‘Fun Day’ that happened there in years gone by. The event was held in memory of Lynne Lewis, a Youth Worker in Whiteway who died of cancer in 2004 aged 46 but who touched the lives of many local youngsters who still miss her dearly today.
On the day, the park’s ageing skate ramp was resprayed by youngsters in graffiti workshops run by artist Nick Halahan (Olas Art); the karaoke stage was graced by many a Taylor Swift tribute act; and the bouncy castle was occupied from the moment it popped up to the moment it was reluctantly deflated 5 hours later.
The Fun Day, coordinated by the Twerton and Whiteway Community Network, was supported by a team of committed local do-ers who spread the word throughout the neighbourhood; donated raffle prizes; litter picked before and after the event; baked cakes and generally ensured everyone enjoyed themselves.
Families made the most of facepainting, play equipment, a sandpit, a treasure hunt, games like hook-a-duck and splat-the-rat, Beat-the-Goalie, giant bubbles, a book swap, BBQ, tea, cakes and a raffle.
Local community group Blooming Whiteway were there to talk plants, compost, and to spread the word about local growing projects; while the Roman Baths’ archaeology team displayed an array of amazing items found within Whiteway and Twerton (including a mammoth tooth)!
The Twerton and Whiteway Community Network is funded by the National Lottery’s Community Fund and employs two part-time coordinators – Kate Bevan and Sally Harris. Kate and Sally said of the event:
“What a community! Thanks to all who came and made this such a lovely day out in the park. We hope we’ve done Lynne proud and revived a tradition of coming together in celebration of the strength of this community. So many people have helped to make today happen – all of them united by wanting good things for their neighbours, and for this area to flourish.”
Residents wishing to get involved with the network are warmly encouraged to contact Kate and Sally on hello@twertonandwhiteway.org or to visit the website www.twertonandwhiteway.org.
Other organisations supporting the event, all of whom are members of the Twerton and Whiteway Community Network, included Southdown Methodist Church Centre; Youth Connect South West; Southside Family Project, Bath City Farm; Bath City FC & Bath City FC Foundation and Time Bank Plus.
