The event was a huge success and well attended; comfortably in excess of 450 people.

 

Inspired by the London 2012 Games, Simon Fenn the Children, Youth & Family Missioner for the Holt Deanery (Church of England), worked closely with Binham Priory, YMCA Norfolk and the Diocese of Norwich to host the day. 

 

The afternoon started to the sounds of ‘Chariots of Fire’, as Connor Bailey carried an Olympic style torch down the centre of the 100m track, to the applause of the crowd, marking the beginning of the event. This was followed by a brilliant dance routine performed by a local pupil, Xaynia Gelder-Bailey, from Alderman Peel High School. Revd Ian Whittle, Vicar of Binham, welcomed the public and cut a ribbon to open the Binham 2012 Games.

 

Families soaked up the glorious sunshine, whilst enjoying all the fun and activities on offer. There were some Olympic inspired races, like the classic egg & spoon, the retro Space Hopper sprint and Wet & Wild 'Total Wipeout'. Families were able to make the most of the stalls and activities like circus skills, a bouncy castle and Beat the Goalie. There was also a creative workshop, a prayer space with reflective activities and a mobile climbing wall. An area for toddlers was provided by the Diocese of Norwich Play Van. To add to the 'carnival' feel, there was a picnic area, hog roast and an ice-cream stall, with refreshments being served from the Village Hall.

 

The Rt Revd Jonathan Meyrick, Bishop of Lynn, presented gold medals and gave a blessing as part of the closing ceremony. "It was lovely to share in the sense of excitement and enjoyment which clearly characterised the afternoon. The sun had shone all day and it was very evident that the sun was shining in the hearts of all those who had taken part."

 

Simon Fenn, event organiser, said, "I was pleased to see so many families coming together and enjoying all the activities and wonderful weather. It was a great team effort and brilliant opportunity for the Church to strengthen its links with the wider community for future projects. I am so thankful to the local church and community that pulled together to make the afternoon a huge success. In particular, Arthur Howell Butchers, Norfolk Farmhouse Ice Cream, Binham Parish Council, Binham Youth Group and the Wells Safer Neighbourhood Team have been very generous and supportive." 

 

PCSO Rebecca Taylor, said, “It was great to see good old fashioned community spirit back in the heart of our villages, with community focused groups, emergency services and volunteers working together to create a fun filled day.”

 

The afternoon raised £220 for the development of a children’s play area in the village. Becky Bunting, a local resident and play area campaigner, was really pleased to be involved in the family fun day and very thankful for the money raised.

 

The event was supported by Diocese of Norwich Children’s Task Force. Angela George, from the Diocese of Norwich said, “We run activities for children and families all over Norfolk through our churches and schools. We enjoyed being part of the fun and were delighted to see so many from the local community embracing the spirit of the afternoon.”

 

For further info on the Diocese’s work with Children, Youth and Families, see

 

For photos from the day, see