Furry animals, superhero characters, live music and swing dance were all on offer to Nottingham City Homes residents and leaseholders at the sixth annual Fun Day.
This year, to celebrate 100 years of council housing, event-goers were treated to a trip down memory lane by travelling back through time to 1919 and then into the future!
A record 1,600 people came to last year’s event and this year’s extra special birthday bash was the biggest Fun Day yet, with more than 2,600 attending.
The Fun Day took place on Saturday 14 September at the Bulwell Academy, on Squires Avenue in Bulwell, and was open to all NCH residents and leaseholders, along with their families.
There were lots of free activities, with something for everyone from the across the decades including 1940s themed ‘Dig for Victory’ activities, a 1950s themed street party, a 1960s and 70s children’s Chill-out zone with relaxing activities such as storytelling and a 1980s and 90s-themed glow party.
Younger residents met classic and modern-day heroes including Superman and Wonder Woman, they had their faces painted, enjoyed bubble fun with The Bubble Fairy, experienced glow-in-the-dark activities and disco, magic and met some furry friends from White Post Farm. Plus the Literacy Trust gave away hundreds of free children’s books and children enjoyed a free classic ‘99’ from the onsite ice cream van.
And for the young at heart, there was a Revival Swing Dance Group, singing from Nottingham People’s Choir, vintage scooters, Bingo, have-a-go archery and sports, plus people could find out lots of information on how to get involved with NCH and their neighbourhood.
There were also NCH staff available throughout the day to offer have-a-go demonstrations, advice and support on a variety of topics, including housing options, tenant academy opportunities, rent advice, community mediation and basic repairs.
Malcolm Sharp MBE, Chair of the Nottingham City Homes Board, said: “It is a really important year for NCH, as we celebrate 100 years of council housing. It’s great that residents can along and helped to mark this milestone and it gave everyone a chance to look back at how times have changed over the years.
“It was a great day out, and was a fantastic opportunity for residents to get involved with their local community, and get to know the teams at NCH. We saw lots of new faces joining us this year and it was great to hear from more people who want to join our team of involved residents.”
The event was a chance for residents to access training, employability and volunteering opportunities with companies such as Nottinghamshire Police Cadets, Nottingham City Scouts, Army reserves, Futures for You and Nottingham City Homes, including its part in a new £1m funded project Building Skills for Construction.
There was advice on how residents can get involved and volunteer to make a difference in their neighbourhoods, as well as information and support on NCH’s Independent Living Schemes and care schemes.
Visitors also enjoyed a free lunch in the events 1950s-themed street party, with everything from Jamaican, BBQ, Indian, South American, pizzas, vegetarian and vegan foods on offer.
This year’s event was sponsored by T & S Heating, J Tomlinson, Dulux Trade, Marlowe Fire and Security and Gibbs & Dandy.