By The Open Arms Team
During the school holidays in October, we organised a family activity to raise awareness of the project and support the community, within the Ward we were delivering the project, i.e. Wickersley South & Thurcroft Ward and hosted a Family Halloween Party at the Thurcroft Hub on Monday 27 October 2025. We advertised on social media sites and promoted the session within the Ward, and it didn’t take long for this to become fully booked.
The entertainer was 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. Patsy played music and carried out a fancy dress competition, and a few winners were given prizes. No one was left out as the remainder of the children were all given packets of Haribo sweets for entering. Patsy also arranged for a few games which included the mummy game where the participants were required to wrap someone in toilet paper where the winner was also given a prize. Patsy also arranged a spider game, whereby a ball was thrown at a Velcro disc with a Velcro spider, and the aim of the game was to get the eye to stick on the spider, the closest to the spider received a prize.
To cater for all ages, a couple of tables were set aside where craft materials were provided which encouraged other activities to be carried on. Refreshments were provided throughout which included hot drinks for adults and dilute pop and at intervals fruit platters, buns and sweet snacks.
Trudi Knotrite, a versatile circus performer and entertainer, was also present and carried out face painting. Patsy did some balloon modelling for the children and had pre-made balloon swords which the children were encouraged to collect with a choice of some sweet treat upon leaving the party.
It was truly a fantastic event, which engaged with so many new people making them comfortable and open to support the Open Arms team offers.
The event was to capacity with 29 adults (with only 1 returning to the project) and 42 children attending.
Feedback Quotes:
Great Family atmosphere! Good Selection of Games! Brilliant Host!
Very engaging with the children, very inclusive for young and older kids.
Been a fantastic morning, entertainment for the children was great. Never a dull moment. Definitely be coming again! x
Thank you for a loverly afternoon. Kids have love it
It was great. Kids really enjoyed it! Suitable for all ages! Lots of activities and food/snacks.
Very welcoming. Fun for all the kids. Kept them entertained. Great Service. Lots of advice.
