BETWEEN 1,000 and 2,000 people turned out on Saturday, August 13, to enjoy the Whitehill and Bordon Town Partnership’s fun-packed annual Summer Activity Day at the Forest Community Centre.

The Mayor of Whitehill David Cooper was at the opening in the morning and offered visitors the chance to visit the Whitehill Town Council chamber to see the mayoral chain and gavel.

The event was supported by businesses and voluntary and community groups and funded by grants from Radian, East Hampshire District Council and Hampshire County Council.

Its main purpose is to raise awareness of the activities that are run regularly in the town.

There were a variety of activities to participate in.

For example, visitors were invited to try Whitehall Village Hall’s portable skittle alley, which people can book for regular sessions or for parties.

Representatives from Blacknest Golf Club encouraged young people to have a go at golf.

For the very young, Follow Your Wellies, a toddler outdoor adventure group, held a welly-wanging competition.

There was also a petting farm, a climbing wall, drumming workshops, craft activities, free refreshments, pavement art, a ballet show by the Hilary Bishop Schools of Dance and Drama, a demonstration by Enerjive, the Women’s Institute Blackmoor Belles choir (while the Ukuladies played), and Drum 4 Fun workshops.

Anyone with a dog was welcomed to the Dogs Trust teaching workshops.

Visitors were also invited, by East Hampshire District Council, to give their views on Whitehill and Bordon’s new Healthy Town status.

“It was fantastic to see so many people really enjoying themselves in the sunshine,” said volunteer organiser Claire Coxwell.

“We aim to give people a free day out in the middle of the summer holidays, and we are also keen to tell people about all the activities that are available in Whitehill and Bordon.

“Many residents are not aware of the range of clubs and associations that they can join. There are also opportunities to volunteer.”

The Whitehill and Bordon Town Partnership’s next event will be the town’s fireworks display on November 2 at the Country Market.

Prizes were donated by Change Gear Cycles, Mill Chase Leisure Centre, Swallows Trampoline Academy, Tesco, and the Whitehill and Bordon Regeneration Company. Sponsors included Tesco, Hampshire and East Hampshire county and district councils, Follow Your Wellies, Hillary Bishops Schools of Dance, Radian, The Boltini Fund, the Whitehill and Bordon Regeneration Company, Blacknest Golf and Country Club, Keats, Cygnets Day Nursery and the Whitehill and Bordon Community Association.

•To join the team of volunteers who work to put on these events, contact [email protected] or call Claire Coxwell on 07733 056060.