‘Snowball’ fights for free school meal kids

Two Christmas holiday fun days aimed at children who get free school meals have been lined up by Erewash Borough Council – with an invitation to take part in indoor snowball fights.

The battles are among a host of games, sports and other activities that seven to 12-year-olds can take part in. And what’s more – a free lunch will be thrown in.

Cllr Josy Hare, who is Erewash’s Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “Although we may all be dreaming of a white Christmas the snowball fights will feature pom-poms. One thing that is real is how popular these kinds of fun days are with youngsters when the schools are off. They are a great way for them to let off steam – while getting a healthy packed lunch.”

The first of the Winter Holiday Activity and Food Camps is on Monday 22nd December at The Long Eaton School in Thoresby Road. The following day – Tuesday 23rd December – Ilkeston’s Rutland Sports Park will be the venue. 

Both events run from 10am to 2pm and are thanks to Erewash Borough Council’s Community Health and Wellbeing Development team.

Funding is from the Department for Education as part of a Derbyshire-wide initiative called It’s About Me. The activities are organised by a charity called StreetGames.

Families need to book in advance to enrol children using a code available from school offices. Info can be found here.

An official said: “Places are available on a first come, first served basis, with priority given to children who receive benefit-related free school meals and those with vulnerabilities.” Depending on demand, some youngsters who do not get free school meals may be able to attend. Inquiries can be emailed to: communityhealthwellbeing @ erewash.gov.uk

One local parent who rushed to sign up for one of the previous activity days said: “My children loved it – thank you!  I loved seeing them all red faced from running around when I went to collect them.”