Shorefield Quiz Raises £493.54 for Forest Bus  
Shorefield Quiz Raises £493.54 for Forest Bus

The Forest Bus, the mobile community and youth charity based in Marchwood, has been presented with a cheque for £493.54; this was donated following a recent charity quiz night held at Shorefield Country Park. The money will be used to buy much needed equipment for Forest Bus’ new ‘techno play’ vehicle. On behalf of all involved with Forest Bus, Jane Peacock – General Manager, commented “we are very grateful to both those who organised the event and to all those who put their general knowledge to the test. Thank you very much!”

For further details regarding Forest Bus, please visit the web site: www.forestbus.co.uk


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The Forest Bus New Vehicle Launch Party 2009 
Forest Bus were very proud to be unveiling their new custom play vehicle at Thorney Hill Community centre in Bransgore Near Christchurch Dorset on 20th February 2009. It was a beautiful sunny day and there was a good turn out of people who all enjoyed the event very much.

The New Vehicle was designed by local children, with the help of Katy Peacock - resident child play therapist at the Forest Bus.
The 'Play & Show' bus features a fold out stage for performances as well as the latest technology and play resources on board.




The Forest Bus charity will use their new vehicle to provide play and performance
Workshops for young children in ‘needy areas’ around the New Forest. The custom play vehicle has a lot to offer onboard. There is a fold out stage which can be used for performances of singing and dancing. There are some very innovative play equipments onboard which will provide developmental play opportunities for young infants and children.



Darren Kenny is a gold medal winning, world record holding member of the GB Paralympics and David Mellor Cycles Teams. Darren is also a patron of forest bus and was there to unveil the new vehicle. Darren gave a talk about the aims of the new vehicle and about some of his own achievements whilst answering some questions from members of the local community.




After the unveiling of the new play vehicle, Jane Peacock charity manager (above) was there to give the low down on the success of the new play vehicle project and it’s future use.

Finally the eager audience were allowed to get on and have a look at what the ‘ Play & Show ‘ bus has onboard.

Karaoke with all the latest chart hits was available for the young people to enjoy. Keet B entertained everybody and encouraged the youngsters to join in with the fun. The fold out stage area of the new vehicle was used to host a Karaoke show for all to enjoy.


Bush Craft

James and Shuv’s Bush Craft workshop was very popular with children and parents alike. James and Shuv demonstrated how to make fire without the use of matches or lighters using only a bow drill, which is a sophisticated form of rubbing two sticks together. Several of the older children were shown how to use a knife safely, and helped to carve spindles needed for the bow drill. Other children spent time learning about the different parts used in a bow drill. They also learnt about the form and action their bodies needed take in order to generate enough force and develop the right rhythm.



Many of the children tried the challenging art with the assistance of Shuv or James and managed to get smoke! The joy and surprise on their faces when they achieved this was a delight to see. Many of the children were excited to show what they had learnt to their parents.

Face painting

The face painting was very successful. It was enjoyed by many children; even with three members of staff we were struggling to keep up with demand!
The children were really happy with their designs, and came back to have their hands and arms done as well! Some of the parents also enjoyed this activity, choosing to have their faces painted! This was a great activity for all involved; the three staff members also thoroughly enjoyed seeing the children so happy.






Activities within the hall

There were many different activities available for children inside the Thorney Hill Community Centre including robot making from recycled materials supplied by Scrapstore, stain glass window making using plastic poly pockets, badge making, beat box and break dance, a bug box, a healthy eating stall ‘cook and eat’ promoting the benefits of a fruit filled diet and a withy sculpture workshop.

The pictures for the stain glass window making activity included graffiti designs, caravans, sports cars, love hearts, and cartoon pictures.

Scrapstore recycle – Robot Workshop

The Forest Bus Vehicle launch day was a great success.
“Southampton Scrapstore” brought along a wide variety of recycled materials and craft equipment for a robot themed, junk modelling, workshop.
The day went very well, with some very imaginative and innovative creations.




The older teenagers learnt how to use hot glue guns safely and helped the younger ones to assemble their robots, which they were then able to take home.
Many thanks to Forest Bus for putting on a fantastic and well organised event.
Forest Bus are valued members of the Scrapstore and like us, are keen promoters of both recycling and creative arts.

We look forward to a continued and mutually supportive relationship with them.
To find out more about the Southampton scrapstore, go to www.southamptonscrapstore.org.uk

The Lorry
The lorry was set up for messy play, with the children making their own ‘portion’ of salt dough, and playing with gloop. The children thoroughly enjoyed themselves and made some great models with their salt dough. We had snakes, cats and name plaques, all of which were taken home with pride!!





Outside, under the awning, we had a carpet area with toddler/baby toys with seating for parents to watch their children play. This area was very popular, giving parents a chance to sit!! There was a sand and water play area that was well attended and the children absolutely loved it!
The dressing up clothes proved popular.






'Cook and Eat' Fruit stall

For the bus launch Richard brought a quantity of fruit to make a simple fruit salad to be handed out in paper cups. The fruit was laid out nicely on the table and young persons and adults were invited to choose from the array of yummy fresh fruit. Richard was assisted by Alice chase (student) and Shannon James from Calshot youth. Shannon worked the table for over two hours demonstrating her food hygiene and prep skills.


The stall was very popular, with fruit salad being served for the duration.



Health Promotion Stall - 'Fix my Ride!' (HP)

Darren Kenny came to he HP stall to talk about he bike project. He was very interested to hear of the ongoing work. Staff explained to him what sorts of things we have been doing at the bus, for example bike maintenance, road safety awareness and the popular egg helmet test. Darren says he will try and source some resources for the project.




About Forest Bus

Forest bus also offer their many art & play workshops for private events, festivals and parties. The vehicles are available for hire with professional staff and including all the equipment and materials. Workshops include ‘Party Karaoke’ where our professional entertainers will give tips and training on singing and performance before putting on a final show at the end of the day. CD’s or DVD’s can be recorded of the show with full audio or video for everybody to take home.

Play therapy and fun sessions are also privately available including our resident play therapist. A mobile crèche is also available with as many qualified staff as necessary for corporate events and private parties. For more information on hiring forest bus for a workshop please contact jp@forestbus.co.uk and see our community website on http://www.forestbus.co.uk.



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