Hundreds of people enjoy free day out at Old Down Country Park

Published by jessica.britton for Merlin Housing Society in Housing

Hundreds of people enjoyed a great day at Old Down Country Park recently as part of a family fun day organised by their landlord. In return for an action packed day, all they had to do was give their views on how Merlin Housing Society’s services could be improved.

Merlin’s Community Investment Manager, Jennifer Griffiths said: “This event has given us an opportunity to get feedback about how we’re doing from families with young people. These are groups we’ve struggled to engage with in the past, and their input will be invaluable for shaping the work we do going forward. This event signals the start of work we plan to do to build a sense of community and pride in the areas we serve.”

Resident, Chantelle Hywett said: “My family had a wonderful day at Old Down Country Park. The children had a lovely time and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. It was interesting to find out more about Merlin's services and I heard there will be another one next year. I truly hope we get another chance to go as its days out like that that we struggle to afford.”

Over 330 residents were treated to free activities including face-painting, puppet show, bird box making, street dancing lessons, cup cake baking and drumming workshops. On top of the activities there were plenty of freebies for residents to collect and an opportunity to enter a prize draw.

The fun day, organised as part of the society’s community investment initiative, was hailed a great success by the families who attended, expressed as a spontaneous round of applause at the end of the event.    

Photos from the event can be viewed from the Merlin Housing Society facebook page.