ABOUT THE GYPSY POET 
 
                
 
The site for lovers of free expression and Freedom 
 
 
Here you can watch n listen to MY LATEST POETRY READING 
 
The Gypsy Poets readingcourtesy of Bournemouth Echo
 
(scroll the page)  
 
 Letters to THE GYPSY POET
 
"Thank you for a wonderful site ….. You have just taken me back to my childhood over 60 years ago".
 
" I was also born in Newtown (Old Wareham Rd) in August 1945, went to the same schools as you, we could have even been in the same class at some point. What memories you brought back to me. Names are familiar, and wow all the activities such as catching newts in a jar and Saturday morning at the Regal, I can see us all lining up to get in what excitement. I live in Canada now but all my family are still in the area".
 
" I have just returned from a visit so this was perfect timing to read your website …. Still feel very home sick after 35 years. But as you say it has changed. My mother was a Budden".
 
 "Once again thank you so much for taking the time to give everyone a chance to read your poetry about the old home town, you should be very proud".
 
 Chistine Onodi (Lee)
 
 30th of October 2009 11:29 PM by Mark
 
"Stumbled across site whilst doing some location research for a book".
 
" Will re-visit site - I also write poetry".
 
"I love some of your poems".
 
" I really enjoyed the feeling of freedom in your writing. thanks"
 
WHY I CHOSE TO BUILD THIS WEBSITE
 
My earlest influences aside from Bob Dylan and Drummond Abernethy was the work being done by AS NEIL at Summerhill Free School
 
 
 
 
 
I chose to put together this website as a vehicle for my poetry as well as a place to present my main passions in life.
 
These being notably.
 
 1) Childrens Play and my concerns over the loss of their birthright that being their right to play wherever they happen to be and in a free way as our ancestors have throughout history. 
 
2) My love of Dorset notably its scenic beauty and its history.
 
 
 
3) Gypsys .
 
Their customs and culture and their right to remain as free roaming peoples of the world. 
 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR POET AND WEBMASTER

 

 

Raymond Wills is no newcomer to the world of Childs Play.

 

AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE IS THE NPFA HANDOOK I WROTE IN 1973.

 

With in excess of three decades of practical knowledge and experience in work with children and young people in inner city neighberhoods,new towns and rural communities throughout the U.K.

 

Oiginally trained in playleadership by the National Playing Fields Association in the mid sixties.

 

Though many play practicioners would say he is a natural born playleader and organiser of childs play.

 

During his life Ray has held responsible positons in the community,including school Parent Governor/ Chair of a Parents and Teachers Association, as well as a campaigner for safer childrens playgrounds.

 

Ray has been actively involved in establishing,operating and developing play opportunities nationally for thousands of children throughout his working life.

 

These have included holiday playschemes,pre school playgroups,adventure playgrounds,play centres,out of school clubs,youth clubs,disability projects,play carnivals and play days.

 

His interests in children and their world of play has led him to becoming involved in the social integration of the disabled and the safety of children on playgrounds.

 

Ray has been responsible for town wide recreational programmes for all ages of children and he has spearheaded national campaigns as an active member of a variety of national play organisations and bodies as well as been a founder member of numerous play councils.

 

He has attained recognised qualifications in community project management,youth and play work.

 

Rays previous publications have included handbooks for playworkers "Contacts for advice and information in the community" published by The National Playing Fields Association.

 

He was a founder member of the original Institute of Playwork and similiar play organisations.

 

                                  

Ray on Gold Hill Shaftesbury                            Ray in Trafalgar Square London
 
Ray Wills is a Dorset man who is proud of his dorset roots.
 
Ray spent his early childhood on the Rogers family Mannings farm which was part of the Canford heath estate on the outskirts of Poole.
 
It was here as a young boy where he had his first encounters with the Gypsy families who had camped out on that terrain from the start of the century.
 
Ray recalls as a small boy watching the eccentric artist Augustus John set up his easil and paint the lady wimborne house Heather view, the familys originally rented  home at a pepercorn rent from the Guest estate. 
 
On leaving school Ray was employed by the Buebird Caravan empire as their chassis spayer and as a painter and decorator,
  
Before living at Bovington Camp Wareham where he was employed by the military as an Officers Batman.
 
Living just a stones throw away from the former home of the late T.E .Lawrence of Arabia. 
 
See Rays Childhood Days 
 
Ray joined COMMUNITY SERVIVE VOLUNTEERS in the mid sixties and via that route first had his experience and training in childrens Play Work being seconded by Redditch District Council to attend a National Playing Fields Course at Playfield House in London.
 
See Rays account of his years in playwork in the UK entitled 
 
What An Extraordinary Adventure
 
 
 
 In more recent years Ray has managed Community projects in Bournemouth for the elderly and disabled.
As well as for some time being a local school governor and chair of a parent teachers association.
 
He managed The Kinson Project at st andrews church which was a local church renovation project which gained the Rose Award.
 
Ray was also a researcher via Bournemouth University for the Bournemouth Borough Councils /towns pedestrianisation project.
 
He formed and co ordinated the towns only self help group for the long term unemployed in the eighties recession which operated from Pelhams Kinson.
 
He has led national campaigns for playground safety and co ordinted play days for FAIR PLAY FOR CHILDREN as well as being a founder member of numerous Play Councils nationally.
 
Rays Qualifications are varied and these have included the following.
 
A Royal Society of Arts Diploma in Management NVQ level 4.
 
A Certifiate in Management Studies.INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT
 
Two -City and Guilds certificates -Senior Youth Work Award and Youth Work Award.
 
NEBSM Certificate in Supervisory Management.
 
Youth Work Certificate with Birmingham Youth Service.
 
Former Fellow of The Institute of Play and National Association of Recreation Leaders. 
 
 At the present time he works as a support worker with autistic people in Dorset.
 
 He has recently remarried (his Michigan U.S.A Sweetheart,(Brenda),who is also a poet) they met on an internet poets website at poetry poem.com.  
 
 He has two grown up daughters and two grandsons of his own.
 
CHILDHOOD PASTIMES AND ACTIVITIES
 
 During my childhood I was fortunate to participate in a vast variety of activities and pastimes which all children in that era seemed to be involved in. Although it was Iona and Peter Opie,who chronicled the playground rhymes and chants of those years.
 
However it was Eileen Soper the childrens illustrator who drew pictures of all these childhood pastimes and activities and somehow captured its moments and excitement.
 
Activities ranging from playing marbles, conkers and flick cards to the more adventurous rope tarzan swings, rafting. wooden box go kart racing and tobogganing. 
 
                    
 
 
MARBLE DAYS
 
 I played marbles as a kid
upon the green where we kids lived
we played those circles games and more
just over from the village hall
 
 the grass was green and the daisies grew
 we rolled that glass with gusto too
 with alleys and shiny spheres of glass
 we thought the day would always last
 
 our friends and family all came to play
 no PC world in those old days
 our fun and laughter was roustabout
 as we rolled those marbles in and out
 
the sounds of clinking hit the air
 as we won with richness joy or lost in pure despair
 with our ice cream faces and our red cheeks glow
 we rolled those marbles and let them go
 
 the little green it still is there
close by the railway line and local fair
 the Carey woods and warehams leas
 where as small kids we scuffed our knees
 
gone are those days of revelry's
when marbles kept us from our teas
with alley bags and clinking glass
 we rolled those marbles slow and fast
 
our aim was true and skilled with ease
as we sat their on our knees
with scores and winning ways to share
 we took our time and said our prayers      
 
THE FOLLOWING IS A HANDBOOK I COMPOSED AND WHICH WAS PUBLISHD BY THE NATIONAL PLAYING FIELDS ASSOCIATION IN 1978
 
 TITLE "Contacts, Advice and Information in the Community"
 
This was my original Playtimes own online publication,
 
A following is a handbook designed specifically by our resident play consultant, for play workers, community workers and children's workers generally.
 
 This should be an invaluable source of information and inspiration on play work generally, for both new entrants to the profession, or the more established professionals in the UK.
 
There are also a variety of links included, to specific web sites.
 
CONTACTS ARE VITAL FOR THE FOLLOWING PURPOSES:
 
 - Local active involvement and participation from members of the community such as parents and volunteers.
To develop relationships with local children through existing organisations and community groups such as schools, clubs and community centres.
 To develop relationships with other community groups and professional workers from similar disciplines.
 To develop ongoing relationships with officials and councillors from the local authority and the various departments who could be of value in future activities and co operative ventures.
 
To be active in local concerns and issues with Neighbourhood Councils, community councils and similar representative bodies.
 
To form or be involved in the formation of management committees, steering groups, parents associations, play councils or similar bodies.
 To act as a springboard for the development of community action projects concerned with childs play in the locality.
 
To gain specialist advice, knowledge and know how, from national play organisations and others.
 
 To be able to gain support as well as to be able to use other resources in the community for the betterment of the children attending the play facility.
 
 To gain parental support and co -operation throughout the projects life and for them to be seen as an essential part of its community.
 
To have access to the very best quality play equipment and materials available at a reasonable price and often at no costs or as a one off gift.
 
To encourage contributions and donations of finance, materials and labour best suited to the requirements of the play project, from the private sector, as well as national, local charities or individuals.
 
STATUTORY SERVICES
 
This covers a multitude of departments, services and specialists in all fields of disciplines and professions, who the play worker will need to contact at one time or another, either on a particular issue or in his or her everyday working life and responsibilities.
 
This can include the following:
 
 - Local Authority council officers. Local Authority Social Services. Northern Ireland Local Education Departments The Youth Service. Youth Service History National Youth Agency Youth Information Website YMCA House Youth 2000 British Youth Council Education Welfare Department National Confederation of Parent Teacher Associations Colleges and Universities Student world The Probation service Central Government Child Guidance Special Needs / Education Medical Health Services Kids Health Road Safety The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents The Road Safety Officer can show films and videos on all aspects of road safety as well as cartoons. The local 'Tufty' club or a similar childrens road safety club is a good contact.
 
They can be contacted through the Road Safety office. They have in the past provided novelties for childrens parties, road safety aids and literature.
Special Education Nurseries NCSU Gingerbread Kids Unlimited Tumble Tots Hampshire Council Nursery World Acorn Day Nursery Libraries Local libraries are an excellent source of local addresses, contacts and networking.
 
They can also assist with story telling sessions at the project, artwork sessions and book exhibitions.They can also show films and provide group membership for loan of books, records compact discs and cassettes etc.
 
May also be prepared to work with slow learners at the play project itself. As well as being useful for group visits. Charity Net / Resources UK Public Library Search / Resources on the Net UK Web Library Search
 
POLITICAL PARTIES AND POLITICIANS
 
Labour Party Conservative Party Liberal Democrats Because of such contacts via networking, the play worker will need to work closely with others, whose roles are as just as vital to community development.
 
The local councillors, or the local MP. These are very important for establishing adequate quality play facilities locally and for ensuring adequate resources are available. These can be contacted via the local town hall, or in the case of the local MPs at Westminster, c/o House of Commons.
 
 THE STATUTORY PROFESSIONALS
 
 Education Officers and Education Welfare Officers to discuss policy concerning all matters of common interest such as: - Truancy, Out of school activities, schools community project, or schemes and school visits to the project, Sixth form studies, placements, community projects and the use of school premises.
Visits to the school by play staff to talk on play, facilities, equipment and resources during school holidays, loans of equipment and play staff training. Teaching staff volunteers on the project, special schools involvement, play staff assisting with school functions, hire of school bus, trips out to other venues.
 All of these areas indicated are useful means of providing possible mutual support.
 
 COUNTY YOUTH OFFICERS AND AREA YOUTH OFFICERS
 
To discuss possible issues and developments concerning local youth service provision and common interests. The possible resources available for all young people, social and recreational. The dual use of recreational and social facilities, cheap rates and grant aid as well as shared facilities and resources. Training of workers and suitable options for particular age groups of children and young people. Common purpose strategies for promoting local initiatives and neighbourhood activities generally.
 
YOUTH WORKERS, DETACHED WORKERS AND CLUB LEADERS
 
To discuss common concerns, children, youth, policies, plans and ways of future common progress locally. Share resources, facilities and co- ordinate activities and events to the mutual benefit of the projects and young people locally. A good possibility to share concerns about a particular member or issue and act mutually to gain a united strategy. Can often provide support of volunteers, local contacts and resources. Use of mini bus or similar vehicle at reduced rates and other similar or mutual benefits. Regular meetings can be arranged between the play workers and youth workers and should be an essential part of the job to avoid isolation and to share common concerns as well as positive means to encourage local community development.
 
Grants for the development of youth clubs within the play project such as on an adventure playground to cover costs of salaries etc have in the past been obtainable through the offices of the Youth Service/Education Department. Adventure play schemes or similar have gained support in this way to meet specific demands from their youth membership if only on a session basis. Initially starting with one session per week and gradually increasing with proven demand and need. Such proof, has in the past, been supplied by the following scenario. A letter requesting a youth club signed by as many young people over 14 years as possible sent to the Area Youth Officer. Copies of this should also be sent to the local Social Services office and to a sympathetic councilor. If the area youth officer is consulted and supports your case it would be advisable to negotiate through him. When once the club is approved a management committee would need to be formed to accept overall responsibility for its day to day operation. It would be advisable from the outset to ensure that the leader employed to run the youth section is able and willing to work in an informal way with children as well as youths as part of the projects overall team. He or she would therefore be required to attend the projects management committees meetings as well as the youth section committee. The success of the youth club section of the play project will depend largely on its integration into the overall project and not vice versa. A committee of young people members of the youth section would assume day to day responsibilities and elect their own officers to sit on the youth club committee. There would need to be a full register of members, session attendance, along with rates and a record of membership subscriptions kept. Regular monthly meetings held with agendas and minutes copies of which should be filed and sent to all involved or interested parties including youth services.
 
SCHOOL HEAD TEACHERS AND STAFF OF ALL LOCAL SCHOOLS INCLUDING RESIDENTIAL AND SPECIAL SCHOOLS
 
 Parent / teachers bodies To discuss common concerns and policies, use of school premises and facilities during school holidays and to explore possibilities of closer working relationship between play activities and education. Teachers can usually be met in their staff room and should be encouraged to Participate in the project activities if possible. Often it may be possible for them to assist with actual play events such as drama, recreational schemes or other childs play activity. Children can often be met formally in their class or in more informal activities within the school where the project existence and programme can be explained. It is often the case with a new project that this is essential to form contacts with the children. Special schools and residential schools for children with particular educational needs, maladjusted or physical disabilities are usually keen to make use of the play project facility on a regular basis.
 
To break down barriers and provide opportunities for play and social integration with more fortunate children. It will also be useful to contact careers advisors, teachers of practical studies such as woodwork, metal work, art and craft As well as remedial teachers, home/school laision officers and educational psychologists to investigate future possibilities for co-operation or joint action.
 
The Education officer can provide contact numbers and addresses for these when required. Teacher Trainees/Students can almost certainly be approached for possible placement on the play project.
 
 SCHOOL COUNSELLORS OR SOCIAL WORKERS
 
 A number of schools have their counsellor or social welfare worker attached to the school whose role it is to be more of a friend to the child or a confidant. He or she helps bridge the gap between home and school and to assist the children in solving problems or difficulties they may encounter in their daily lives. Theirs is a similar role to that of the Education Welfare Officers.
 
GYPSY LAISION OFFICERS
 
These are specialist educationalists, who work specifically with gypsy or tinker children and encourage them to attend schools or provide educational support at their caravan site on a regular basis.
 
 
 PARENT TEACHERS ASSOCIATIONS/FRIENDS OF THE SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
 
 Kidscape PTAs can offer sound valuable support for the play project particularly so with site clearance and open day events. In addition, there may be means of possible finance through fundraising initiatives. Contact should be made via local schools or Education office.
 
SCHOOL GOVERNING BODIES
 
 Members of such groups can be invaluable as a source of local knowledge and expertise.
 
SCHOOL CARETAKERS
 
These can be a vitally important contact particularly so in the case of holiday play schemes after school clubs are using school premises. The caretaker can often be sympathetic to your project and its best to have him as your ally. He should be encouraged to be involved. Often the success of the scheme will depend somewhat on this mutual understanding relationship for its success.
 
NURSERY EDUCATION CENTRES
 
 The local Nursery Day Centres are good contacts for the future with access to local play activity companies and for possible visits to the play project and for events and community laision.There is an area Nursery Advisor.
 
COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES AND SIMILAR EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENTS
 
These can be a main source of volunteers particularly for holiday periods or work placements. National voluntary agencies such as C.S.V, and others rely on student volunteers for their numerous projects, for placements nationally on a variety of community projects, including play projects. Also invaluable for establishing play work courses, notably through their own social studies or sociology departments. A useful source for fund raising or for funds through their student bodies or rag weeks carnivals etc. It may be possible to loan or hire equipment such as video camera or to hire rooms or have a lecturer assist with a particular play project. The college principle or principle lecturers in specific disciplines such as art and community work or the students unions are the best contacts.
 
SOCIAL SERVICES/ SOCIAL WORKERS
 
Childcare These services cover a multi disciplinary range of functions and workers; many of who have certain areas of their duties involving children and child care services. Since recent child day care legislation play work is one of their management key areas of concern. Some departments provide support to play projects through funding or a support network of workers and co ordination skills. There are area teams of key workers and often the play worker may have an opportunity to sit on their team meetings. It may well be useful to provide them with regular updates on numbers attending and to ensure the correct ratio of staff to child is adhered to. It is worthwhile to send them a regular play progress report as they may wish to refer specific needy children for outings and social activities. Social workers may well be invited to attend the play projects meetings.
 
 The local area office could well be a useful place to visit regularly for support with a variety of play- related issues and possible financial aid for a specific project. On the other hand, to cover the extra costs of cover for staffing, during busy peak holiday periods. Social services deal with most aspects of welfare work with children including day care, residential, fostering and preventative work. They advise on family issues, provide counselling, offer guidance and support to individuals who need help and assist families in crisis.
 
 PROBATION OFFICERS/HOME OFFICE
 
Concerned with individuals who have broken the law and have been prescribed a period of time under the guidance and supervision of the Probation Officer. Within a framework of laws and orders, such as Probation periods, Community Service Orders, Intermediate Treatment Orders, etc. The Probation officer could well be a very good ally as often will know many of the more difficult youngsters in the local community and could well be prepared to become involved in the project as a member of the committee or as a volunteer. Community Service and Intermediate treatment for young offenders could well fall within the play projects involvement, with particular projects such as building work. It may also be necessary in the future to attend court in support of a young person who uses the play facility. Trainee Probation officers could also be considered, as a possible placement to be placed on the play project as an assistant trainee.
 
POLICE
 
The local bobby can be invaluable as both a source of information and a useful ally. The best contact is the local neighbourhood police officer, who is most likely to be sympathetic to the play project. Other contacts include the senior officer, the community laision officer and the crime prevention officer. It is worth discussing general policy and gaining their co -operation for future reference. The local bobby may well be prepared to be involved with the play project or as a committee member and should always be invited to all major play functions. CHILD
 
GUIDANCE UNITS/HEALTH
 
They provide a specialist range of services for children who need individual psychological support due to a variety of circumstances. They may well wish to use the play project for referrals, as to provide a means of social interaction with other children and as a relief and outlet for the problems of the children.
 
 HEALTH CENTRES AND SURGERIES
 
 Provide a wide range of resources and contacts including GPs, Health Visitors, District Nurses, Family planning Clinics, Well men and well women clinics, Carers groups, and information and advice on all areas of health. Can often arrange educational programmes on health related matters.
 
 LOCAL AUTHORITY LEISURE, RECREATION AND ENTERTAINMENT SERVICES
 
Parks department or Leisure and Recreation Local authorities choose from a variety of permutations of these titles when naming their recreation department. However whatever name is used they all provide details of the local leisure, and sports related services, local events, theatre entertainment and other community related facilities. They offer reduced rates for halls and community concessionaire use for groups, as well as swimming baths, theatres and sports halls.
 
 
These cover a variety of provisions for children and young people, which can include supervised play provision as well as unsupervised play facilities, ranging from holiday play schemes, adventure playgrounds, to parks, swing parks and play areas. Co-operation with their play leadership section is invaluable for any locally managed voluntary managed play project and is mutually beneficial to all. Through their various Departments they have responsibility for upkeep and use of recreation playing fields, swing parks, toddlers play areas, neighbourhood parks etc. They have a wealth of knowledge and expertise on all manner of things from seeds for grass, layout of pitches for games, topsoil advice, trees and plants to particular recreational activities. Their landscape department is invaluable for advice on site layout, screening, or the hire of vehicles and tools. The refuse departments can assist with removal of dangerous items. Whilst the highways department may loan or hire out vehicles and drivers for collections of large play materials, as well as sources of rope and metal stakes etc. Housing departments can provide details of contacts for building materials and transport when available.
 
Many local authorities have particular expertise in play provision such as play leadership programmes, adventure playgrounds, play centres, park clubs and with the development, maintenance and management of unsupervised play spaces. Often they have their own play department with officers such as play officer, play co-ordinator or manager. Their planning departments may consult with play workers over provisions of a full range of play facilities in new areas of future residential development and should be well aware of safety and play standards generally. The range and variety of amenities on offer by local authorities are vast and can well include the following: - Sports and leisure centres, pavilions, community centres, theatres, swimming pools, gymnasiums, international centres, art centres, cinemas, sports pavilions, play centres, adventure playgrounds, youth centres, meeting rooms, skating rinks, libraries, parks, gardens, childrens centres, nature centres, educational centres, boating lakes, museums, zoos, theme parks, tourist centres, day nurseries and garden nurseries.
 
COMMUNITY WORKERS
 
These professionals are employed by a number of agencies including local authorities, social services, voluntary bodies or local voluntary groups. They usually operate within a specific neighbourhood encouraging local community involvement through formation of local action groups, tenants associations, use of community centres and facilities. Useful in gaining local support networks for your play project. Community Action
 
 PRESS OFFICERS
 
 Some local authorities have their very own, press officer. Whose role it is to deal with all matters concerning the local press and related issues. Press and Media
 
 FIRE BRIGADE SITES
 
 The local fire officer should be approached if considering a November 5th bonfire celebrations. He will offer advice on fire regulations and safety precautions. Visits to the local fire station can be arranged for the children for demonstrations and educational programmes are possible. Cleveland Fire Brigade UK Tyne and Wear Metropolitan Fire Brigade London Fire Brigade Parachute Team
 
LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS AND VOLUNTARY BODIES
 
Voluntary Community Service Volunteers There are a vast variety and number of local groups who are actively concerned with a variety of specific issues and services to the local community. These include residents associations, tenant groups, housing associations, co- operative societys, Community Associations, Play Associations, Neighbourhood Councils, Play Councils, etc. All of such bodies signify groups of local people meeting together on a regular basis to further local action to benefit their members and concerns. Their support would be useful particularly in the early stages of development of your play project in gaining local publicity and active support, in management or fund raising activities. I may help to give a talk to them or lead a discussion on the benefits and aims of your play project.
 
COMMUNITY RELATIONS COUNCIL
 
 A local community relations council can offer advice, information and support, on all aspects of community relations, particularly relevant to multi racial communities.
 
THE ROUND TABLE, ROTARY CLUBS, LIONS CLUBS, AND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE EQUIVALENT LADIES ORGANISATIONS. SERVICE MENS CLUBS, NAAFI, BRITISH LEGION.
 
These organisations are particularly helpful to play workers working within an army camp or similar neighbourhood. The contacts relevant to service families and civilians are the Camp Brigadier, Chief Clerks who are attached to the camp administration and Youth Officers. They may offer dual use of facilities, venues and voluntary help on specific projects such as assault courses, airmail runways, commando net construction, fence building or loan of Christmas tree with lights. Forces youth teams such as cadets, junior leaders, ATC etc can be invaluable.
 
WOMENS GROUPS WOMENS AID
 
A London based group set up in Chiswick to specifically act as a shelter and support refuge for battered wives, those being physically or mentally abused by their partners.
 
 WOMENS ACTION GROUPS
 
The local groups of feminist organisations can also highlight local needs. Although concentrating on the role of women in society through discussions of womens rights, some interesting information affecting individuals generally including single parent families is often discovered. It is important that play workers keep up to date on civil rights of all members of the community. Local womens groups also draw attention to such issues as lack of nursery provision or Childcare facilities that are generally available. They could possibly provide local volunteers interested in forming additional pre-school play facilities, 1 oclock clubs or mothers and toddlers groups.
 
WOMENS ROYAL VOLUNTARY SERVICE
 
 The local branch may be interested in providing a mobile canteen for children during busy school holiday periods and consider voluntary involvement in play projects. RELATE
 
MARRIAGE GUIDANCE COUNCIL
 
They provide advice, counselling and help or information on problems particularly relating to breakdowns of relationships, with partners or married partners. There have been particular instances where play workers have contributed positively through contact with families and by referring them to such an organisation.
 
FAMILY SERVICE UNITS
 
Operate through National Council for Social Services well known for their neighbourhood work nationally.
 
SENIOR CITIZENS GROUPS AND SOCIETIES
 
 The play workers can often uncover local needs of this group, which may be met by the play projects youths by consulting the local Association. Such service needs as providing firewood service, shopping, visits, organising day trips or parties and supper evenings etc. Senior citizens may wish to become involved in voluntary activities on the play project or talks on local history or hobbies.
 
AGE CONCERN
 
 Specifically concerned with welfare of the elderly, provide centres, luncheon clubs, advice shops, charity shops, activities, welfare support, events in parks including swing boats for children.
HELP THE AGED
 
 Charitable organisation concerned with the welfare of the elderly.
 
 DISABILITY ORGANISATIONS
 
 Spina Bifida HAPA Local branches of national societys can offer advice and support concerning disabled children, access, and the specific problems of the disabled, as well as social integration. They could well become involved in a suitable play project. They could welcome a visit and talk on disabled access to play facilities and consider social projects on the play project. A vast variety of these organisations are around, details are available from the local libraries, social services or yellow pages. The national play organisation to contact is The Handicapped Adventure Play Association.
 
COUNCILS FOR SPORTS AND ARTS
 
 Sports Funding Local sports and arts associations provide a vast wealth of information, specialist knowledge on local resources and activities and have numerous contacts that can offer specialist skills in sports, recreation and the arts including training.
 
COUNCILS FOR SOCIAL SERVICES AND COMMUNITY COUNCILS
 
 These are both voluntary bodies with an inter- disciplinary approach and financial resources. They constitute a very good source of useful local contacts and support.
 
NATIONAL TRUST
 
 A very useful contact for preparations for day excursions at reduced rated to their many gardens, houses and nature walks etc.
 
THE RED CROSS AND ST JOHNS AMBULANCE BRIGADE
 
 St Johns Ambulance Provides information and training in first aid and will provide a local first aider for specific events such as a community bonfire and fireworks display. R.S.P.C.A Will often judge pet shows and provide certificates and will give advice about the upkeep of pets generally. N.S.P.C.C They will be very interested in childrens play and associated activities for young people.
 
 THE FORESTRY COMMISSION
 
This organisation is often a useful contact for timber for structures or playground fencing.
 
THE CONSERVATION SOCIETY
 
 This is a useful contact on all matters of conservation and environmental issues.
 
SCOUTS ASSOCIATIONS, ADVENTURE SCOUTS, GUIDES, BROWNIES, RANGERS and SEA SCOUTS.
 
Boys Brigade These childrens groups and organisations may be very useful with expertise and possible voluntary assistance or with specific projects or participate with play projects. They may have contacts for commando nets, aerial runway equipment and handcarts. They all are very good with barbecue type events on site.
 
LOCAL CHARITABLE BODIES AND TRUSTS
 
Charities Commission The play project could
well obtain a sympathetic response from the local body, charity or trust, for specific activity. LOCAL PRESS & MEDIA For publicity of project, or event on site, they are always useful to gain friendship of a local reporter or local radio commentator. They can be invaluable in gaining local support and in fund raising issues. LOCAL DJ For musical evenings, discos etc, often at a reduced rate for regular events.
 
RIDING SCHOOLS
 
 The local riding school, horse stable or donkey sanctuary is a useful place both to visit and to perhaps encourage to the project for specific days.
 
COMMERCIAL PROVISIONS
 
These can be a very useful resource for day outings often at reduced party rates. These include Cinema, Leisure Centres, Skating Rinks, Fairgrounds, Circuses, Zoos, Theme parks, Holiday camps, Entertainment centres, Amusements parks, Theatres and similar.
 
CHURCH ORGANISATIONS
 
All sectors of the local community should be encouraged to use the play facility including all such groups. Members of the local church, such as the church leader or administrator, who often knows the local children extremely well and could be a useful contact.
 
 LOCAL INDUSTRY
 
 A useful source of play materials either donations or at a reduced rate. Paper and card or art companies, Bakeries for bread and cakes for childrens tea parties, Soft drink companies or similar.
 
H.M.FORCES
 
Royal British Legion Army camps, training centres, Marines or similar can be approached for rope, commando nets and runways, as well as possible voluntary construction.
 
LOCAL SHOPS
 
 Try for donations of prizes on special play days or parties or sweets, rolls, cakes, soft drinks, crisps, fruit, dolls, toys or similar. Also displaying posters advertising play events, sell of raffle tickets, draws and similar support.
 
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  Here at TheGypsyPoet you will discover in depth all about the fascinating world of Childs Play

 

 

 

 

                                          

 

 

     Ray Wills on Gold Hill 

 

 

 

WHY NOT LET ME COMPOSE A SPECIAL POEM JUST FOR YOU  

 

 

 

If you would like me to compose a poem for you for that special occassion or person- email me your request on my contact page or email at raymondwills@hotmail.co.uk.

 

 

 

 I hope that you will enjoy your visit to THE GYPSY POET and return here often.  

 

 

 

 

   THE GYPSY POET /Click ON The Artist