Is This The £35,000 ‘Summer Fun’ Package Promised To Islanders?

PERHAPS I WAS GUILTY of unduly whetting islanders’ appetites when I related Canvey Island Town Council’s intention of spending £35,000 of residents’ money on ‘Summer Fun.’ It now appears that that particular budget was no more than the anticipated cost of producing glossy brochures to be delivered to residents’ houses – advertising other organisations’ arrangements for summer events this year.

The CITC’s Website has recently been updated with two PDF booklet proofs containing details of local events for young citizens during the summer. They cover the period from Sunday 18th July to Friday 27th August. One is a colourful, 20-page, logo enhanced version – aimed at young children. The other is an austere, 8-page, text only offering aimed at secondary students.

Interestingly, it appears that there are only four events specifically aimed at the older group (the remaining entries in the 8 page booklet are just reproduced from the larger version) and there are the inevitable ‘printer’s errors’ that has placed one event, organised by Southend United FC, only in the 8-page version – despite being suitable for those between six and 15-years-old. Another, a rock-climbing day, taking place at  Deanes School on 20th August – and suitable for those up to 14-years-old – has similarly been misplaced.

It is difficult to understand why the Town Council has gone to the expense of bulking the information into two brochures, when one, with a single page insert advertising those four activities only suitable for secondary students, would have sufficed. But, then, financial management has never been one of the TC’s strong points.

In the interest of making local parents’ task of eliciting the required information easier, here are those four events aimed only at secondary students:-

Friday 30th July

Beauty Workshop at The King John School, Shipwrights Drive from 10am to 2pm. Price: £5. ‘Come along, have fun and learn some great techniques from the professionals, including learning how to file, massage and paint nails. You will also be taught party make up, prom make up and also day make up. Includes a souvenir photo (which will be sent onto you). Hosted by The King John Hair and Beauty Team. To find out more or to book a place please call Mary on 07738 217717.'

Hair Workshop at The King John School, Shipwrights Drive from 10am to 2pm. Price: £5. ‘Come along, have fun and learn some great techniques from the professionals, learn plaits, setting hair, pin curling, and creative hair. Includes a souvenir photo (which will be sent onto you). Hosted by The King John Hair and Beauty Team. To find out more or to book a place please call Mary on 07738 217717.'

Friday 6th August

Construction Taster Day at Crown College, 1 Elm Road, Canvey Island
from 10am to 3.00pm. Price: £10. ‘Please join us for a taster day at Crown where you can try your hand at carpentry, plumbing, electronics and tiling. There are very limited places so please book early by contacting Pat: 07867 787235.'

Monday 9th to Friday 13th August

Tennis ‘Thunderball’ Tournament at Deanes Sports Centre, Daws Heath Road, Thundersley between 9am to 5pm. Price: £25 for week long tournament. ‘Bookings can be made weekdays after 4pm and weekends 9am-6pm, tel: 01268-741162.'

And here are those misplaced events:-

Friday 20th August

Rock Climbing Day at Deanes Schools, Daws Heath Road, Thundersley from 9.30am to 3pm Age: up to 14yrs. Price: £15. ‘Check out http://www.mobilerockwall.co.uk/. To book contact Deanes weekdays after 4pm and weekends 9am-6pm, tel: 01268-741162.'

Monday 23rd to Friday 27th August

Southend United FC - Soccer Fun Camp at Deanes School, Daws Heath Road, Thundersley from 10am to 3pm. Age: 6-15yrs. Price: £15/30/45/60/75 or £12/24/36/48/60 if paid in adv (10% Discount available for siblings) – tel: 01702-341351.'

Residents will notice that, as usual, the local Essex Police Force is the most prolific of organisations providing sporting activities for all ages this summer. They have 24 separate events planned – and they do not cost a penny.

For details of other events that the Town Council may not have captured, residents can refer to the Echo’s What’s On section of their Website.