AN AMAZING variety of creative and curious activities were available for visitors to try at a Fun Palace in Old Town.

The event offered samples of flower-arranging, 3D-printing, martial arts, collaging, dance, family history research and more.

The Fun Palace at Savernake Street Social Hall in Old Town was part of a nation-wide initiative to inspire and educate people about subjects and hobbies that may be new to them.

It was the latest in a series of ‘Communi-tea’ afternoons held at the hall for the benefit of local residents.

Savernake Street Social Hall is maintained by the Eastcott Community Organisation, with funding from Arts Council England and other supporters.

Caroline Davies-Khan, chair of the ECO, said: “It’s great to see so many people here to share their skills and their passions with other people in the community.

“Hopefully everyone’s learning something that they’ve never encountered before and may even become their new favourite hobby.

“The Fun Palace epitomises our goal of bringing the community together.”

Lottie O’Brien brought her three-year-old daughter Elsie to enjoy the painting and designing activities.

Lottie said: “We just live around the corner so we’ve gone to quite a lot of the events held here.

“The social hall is such an important part of the area, it makes a huge difference.

“Elsie’s really having fun, she loved painting, we did some of the collage and ate cake, she had a go at the drawing too, and she’s had a name badge 3D-printed.”

Jess Robinson from Swindon Makerspace showcased to youngsters how 3D printing could turn a roll of filament plastic into name badges and other objects.

She said: “Kids asked lots of questions, it’s great that they’re taking an interest, they’re really curious about it all and love seeing the printer in action.

“It’s been busy all afternoon, we’ve been printing non-stop.

“A lot of people have heard of 3D printing but have never seen it in person.

“The printer works by melting the end of the filament in a nozzle that heats up to 200C, which melts the plastic so that it can be reformed.

“Then, the nozzle moves according to a design made on the computer, building a 3D object layer by layer.

“We’re a not-for-profit community workshop in Cheney Manor. Anyone can come in and use our 3D printers and laser cutters and other equipment.”

Helen Parker-Drabble helped curious visitors look through their family tree to discover more about their ancestors.

She said: “One man didn’t know who his grandfather was so I found out by looking through old documents and records.

“Now he’s going to conduct more research at the library, which is great.

“It’s amazing what you can find out from old public records, especially for people born before 1911, there’s a surprising amount of detail about their lives.”