Games, music and plenty of community spirit made this year’s Nansledan summer barbecue a huge success.
After eight weeks of planning and nearly two years of waiting, organisers of the fun-filled day in Parc Mengleudh on August 21st said they were delighted with the turnout to this important event in the community’s calendar.
Local families flocked to the community get-together to enjoy a range of activities and outdoor games, including giant snakes and ladders, ludo and tin can alley.
A sports day was held for the first time, allowing young and old to show off their skills around the running track, competing in 50-metre sprints, as well as egg and spoon and sack races. Gold, silver and bronze medals were handed out to the winners.
A barbecue with all the trimmings was set up to fuel the hungry competitors and their families.
Theresa Ferguson from the Nansledan Community Association (NCA) said it was a real pleasure to be able to bring everyone together after such a difficult time.
“A great day was had by all,” she said. “It has been almost two years since we held our last summer barbecue and the community has been desperate to organise some kind of gathering. COVID put everything on hold but after government restrictions were lifted, we had a green light to proceed.”
Theresa and the small group of volunteers who organised this month’s event have thanked this year’s sponsors, a consortium made up of the Duchy of Cornwall, CG Fry, Morrish Homes and Wainhomes.
The team also want to praise the people who turned out to help on the day, as well as those who put in the hours needed to plan the event.
“Without their help the day would not have been possible,” said Theresa, describing how amazing it was to see everyone having such a good time in the sunshine, after showers earlier in the day.
“It was a great turn out, from the residents,” she said. “There were loads of activities for everyone to enjoy. The right-hand side of the field was set up as the racetrack. Each race was split into groups according to age. The adults did not escape being called up to show the kids that the old yins still have it in them when it comes to running!”
Part of the day’s fun involved the clean-up operation.
“The game was to see how quickly every child could run round the field and pick up all the equipment and rubbish and bring it to the gazebo,” said Theresa. “Every person taking part would win a prize. On the word ‘go’, the kids scattered into every corner of the park. Within ten minutes, the field was cleared of rubbish. Job done!”
After the success of this year’s community gathering, the NCA is hoping to organise a Christmas event, as well as another barbecue next year.
Anyone who can help can contact info@nansledancommunity.org
Nansledan, just outside Newquay, is a sustainable development being built over a period of 30 years which embodies the principles of architecture and urban design championed by HRH The Duke of Cornwall. It will eventually comprise a diverse range of 4,000 homes and a similar number of jobs in shops, offices, workshops and wider community facilities, along with various green spaces and play areas so that residents can meet their daily needs within a series of walkable neighbourhoods.
