By The Open Arms Team, Lee Lazenby
During the February Half Term school holidays, we organised a family activity to raise awareness of the project and support the community, within the Ward we were delivering the project, and hosted a Patsy’s Fun Show at Dalton Parish Hall on Monday 16 February 2026. We initially promoted the session within the Ward to allow the community within Dalton & Thrybergh to secure a place. We continued to promote the session on social media sites and once again this became fully booked.
Trudi entertained the children with a circus workshop and balloon modelling. Although Patsy, a well-known leading children’s entertainer, who has been in show business since she was 7 years old, and a third-generation entertainer was not the main entertainer that day, she was on hand to talk to the children and catch up with some of her followers. Refreshments were provided which included a selection of fresh fruit and cakes and sweet treats. All the children had a great time and were provided with information relating to Open Arms events taking place at Dalton Parish Hall the following week. As the participants left, they were given the choice of having a chocolate. Everyone enjoyed the sessions and one participant, who arrived late because of some issue, said that whilst the day had started off not great, the session had cheered her up and she left with a smile and a happy child. The event was to capacity with 23 adults and 42 children attending.
Feedback Quotes:
Brilliant event for everyone! Thank you
Great session. We always love attending open arms sessions. The staff always go above and beyond for the parents and kiddies. Thank you x
Fun session for the children playing with things they wouldn’t usually play with. Really good service with free drinks and snacks. Would recommend to others.
Good participation and helpful people around. Fun activities. Super involving.
Lovely activities. Fun for the kids. They felt involved and nice to have a coffee and a biscuit.
Brilliant! We have been to lots of the Rotherfed venues, and my kids have loved them. Really enjoyed Patsy’s circus workshop. Would happily pay to come to these and makes a lovely change to do something the kids enjoy, other than internet based.