Lots of family fun rolls into the park

The park staged a fundraiser for the Swindon’s first roller derby group on Saturday and its annual Love Your Parks Fun Day yesterday, which both saw revellers flock through the gates all day.

The Love Your Parks Fun Day, which was organised by Queens Park Community Council, included face painting, a barbecue, a bouncy castle and karate demonstrations on the grass.

Hannah David, the vice-chairwoman of the community council, said: “Today is all about encouraging people to come to Queens Park.

It is a great facility for people to use. Lots of people don’t know there is a park here so it is good to get people in here.”

Love Your Parks is a national event which encourages people to value their parks and open spaces.

Tracy Bufton, who lives in the town centre, was at the event with her four-year-old daughter, Jessica.

Tracy said: “We are enjoying it so far, Jessica has been dancing to the music and now she is making a stained glass butterfly at the crafts stall.”

The park was also a hive of activity on Saturday when the Rail Road Rebels, the town’s first Roller Derby team, staged a fundraiser.

There was live music, a barbecue, face painting, lucky dips, children’s entertainment and a crafts and vintage fair in the secret garden.

The sport sees players, known as blockers and jammers, take to the pitch in a high-energy game on roller-skates, known as a bout.

Hayley Jackson, who started the all-female team last year, said: “Today is to raise money for the club towards our first bout. They cost about £1,000 to put on with the cost of the hall and the PA system.

“It has really grown in popularity. We had to close recruitment because we had too many people but we are taking fresh people on again now.

The Rail Road Rebels train on Tuesdays and Sundays in the Oasis and at the Link Centre.

For more information email railroadrebels@gmail.com.

To get involved with gardening in Queens Park email p.dixon8@ntlworld.com.