play &


activity today Jan - Feb 2010


Tackling Bullying in the Community


*Birmingham, 13 January *Cambridge, 19 January *London, 4 February *London, 16 February *Nottingham, 24 February *Taunton (date tbc)


To support local practitioners to get to grips with the new DCSF Safe from Bullying guidance on tackling bullying in a range of community settings, the Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA) is organising a series of free one-day conferences in each of the nine government regions. www.ncb.org.uk/conferences


Forthcoming events


Project pages - Flights of Fantasy When Flights of Fantasy


were commissioned by the RSPB to create a lighthouse themed scheme for its Newport Wetlands Environmental Education and Visitor Centre a robust scramble net was also required.


Built and installed in two phases, the focal point of the scheme is a playhouse scale replica of the famous Usk lighthouse. Measuring 3.6 metres high and incorporating climbing and sliding poles, an upper level with expansive runway, an internal ‘paddle’ staircase and multiple external play accessories, the lighthouse, which formed phase I of the project,


took


Flights of Fantasy’s team of master craftsmen 7 weeks to make.


Russell Bowlby, designer and owner of Flights of Fantasy comments on the project’s key construction stages and discusses how the


RSPB’s brief was fulfilled. “All


of our constructions utilise traditional materials and craftsmanship, and are designed to last indefinitely. We use a wide variety of hardwoods and plywoods with FSC certification where appropriate. A team of 5 designers, joiners and specialist craftsmen worked on the lighthouse project at Flights of Fantasy’s own workshop in West Norfolk. We try to create as many ways for children to ascend and descend within a play scheme as possible, the lighthouse utilised a typical mixture of both external and internal ladders, a climbing wall, scramble net and a sliding pole. Whilst the RSPB were keen to create a play area that would genuinely excite children of varying ages, safety was also top priority. With this in mind, the complete lighthouse ‘complex’ was installed onto a safety surface, complemented


To the Lighthouse


by safety gates and fencing, which ensure the area is appropriately enclosed.” The lower level of the lighthouse, made from tough, BS1088 marine ply,


was


integrated into the structure, followed by the lighthouse’s upper section, also made from marine ply and topped with an especially made fibreglass roof. The lighthouse’s essential accoutrements, hardwood framed scramble net, slide, and climbing wall were installed on site. Hard- wearing, powder-coated railings were also installed on the lighthouse’s upper level. Phase II, which was completed in 2009, comprised the design, build and installation of further play equipment, which was based around a colourful container ship, bird shaped ‘springies’ and an aerial zip wire.


In


keeping with the playground’s educational focus, a birdlife migration platform and pond dipping station were also


Work in progress


specified, along with complementary items such as see saws and tyre swings. The lighthouse has proved an instant hit with the reserves younger visitors and Dana Thomas, RSPB Cymru Communications Officer, said,“The play scheme has already been put through its paces and has proved to be a core


attraction within the reserve.” Flights of Fantasy Click here to request literature


18


CLICK HERE TO REQUEST LITERATURE Enquire at: www.playat.co.uk/enquire


CLICK HERE TO REQUEST LITERATURE


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