Newsletters

Every quarter, we publish a newsletter of play related stuff. It's designed for our Tower Hamlets members but plenty of other people find them useful as well. Here you will find our back issues dating back to 2006.

Click on the title to download as a PDF.

Issue 3 2010

The sun is shining, the birds are singing, I can hear people                                     
playing in the park beyond the window and I am stuck in
the PATH office putting the final touches to this newsletter.
And despite the possibly gloomy news re Government
funding it’s probably one of our most packed yet. We’ve
jammed it full of articles about play but most importantly it
is rammed with ideas for your summer holiday programme.

Issue 2 2010

I have recently spoken to several people who have bemoaned interview candidates’ inability to speak about play in technical terms. Little or no mention of the Playwork Principles, the Play Cycle or Reflective and Analytical Practice were made during interviewees’ answers. The language and the theory is there to be used, it makes us stand distinct from other children and young peoples professions and whats more if you use it properly in interview playwork employers are more likely to give you the job!

Issue 1 2010

“Can you tell me where we can find a play area with a roundabout in E1? We’re
making a programme about Piers Morgan and we want to film a roundabout”.

Now I don’t get that call every day but as Information Worker for PATH I decided to find out. First I looked ut of the window and across to the park below. The roundabout there had gone. Then I went to ask the est of the team, hmm, there was one in a school … perhaps that would do?

Where have the roundabouts of my childhood gone? Have they joined Zebedee and Ermintrude, lost parts of childhood? Designs of play equipment have changed, they still do the same sort of stuff; you can swing on them, climb on them, spin around till you feel sick, but they look different

Issue 4 2009

At the beginning of the summer I felt as if I was chained to a desk, whilst around me everyone whisked off on holiday or was working outside on play  projects. My respite was to sneak off to Essex and check up on the camp at Lambourne End.

I’ve wondered over the years what it’s actually like to attend the camp, as a user rather than the organiser. So when Weavers Adventure Playground asked if we could recommend a playworker to make up staff numbers for their visit, I volunteered myself. I’m sure the balmy sunny days helped, but I’m happy to report I had a great time.

Issue 3 2009

Thanks to the recent cash influx for play in the borough I’ve been able to read about play most weeks in East End Life our excellent local authority newspaper.
In April I was pleasantly surprised that some familiar faces were recognised with Tower Hamlets Civic Awards:
Margaret Tracey of Mudchute Park and Farm was credited with her service to the community, through her resolve and effort to inspire, guide and support. Meanwhile Peter Vincent, Poplar resident and Mile End Park Ranger (the ones in the yellow shirts), was put forward by Sister Christine Frost in recognition of his dedication to St Matthias Old Church and community centre.
But they are not the only people out there doing a good job in our communities, most of you go unsung, until of course you stop doing it and then the gap is noticed. ...

Issue 2 2009

At the launch of the Liminal Play spaces in Mile End Park I gathered a gaggle of children and took off to play in one of the tempting spaces. We took out the fabrics, tissue paper and string, some knives for cutting and whittling and not a lot else.

Issue 1 2009

At the moment Play seems to be big news. Every week when I open East End Life I see another article about developments in play in the borough, the government have devoted millions to the development of play space.

Autumn 2008                     

"After the summer holidays I expect play projects are taking the opportunity to get in some training and a chance to review and plan future activities. Hopefully this issue will both help and inspire you! Don't forget to get outside and enjoy kicking up the leaves."

Summer 2008

Suddenly the summer holidays are visible on the not so distant horizon. Eleanor has been busy getting White Horse adventure playground ready for the holidays. Penny is dashing between meetings to create more inclusive play in the borough and encouraging architects and planners to create quality play spaces in their developments, in between visiting the States to promote play there. Hilarie and Glenys are filling in grant application forms left right and centre. Chris has finished editing her book and is working with great relish and success with the management committee support project. Majeda and Thomas are trying to keep us all sane with their normal high quality work and calming influences. And I’m finalising the camp project and the Urban Playranger training that we’re unveiling this term: Our first piece of London wide training.

Spring 2008

"I’ve just finished a piece of work with some of Tower Hamlets nurseries and playgroups around encouraging and developing outdoor play. Working with them made me realise how vital it is that our youngest children get a chance to get outside and experience nature and the elements."

Winter 2007

"It’s nearly the end of the year and the dark is drawing in - Excellent!

What a great opportunity to wrap up warm, get the kids outside with torches, light a little fire to keep warm and gaze at the winter stars.

I’m on a quest at the moment to find out how many ways we can use the dark for play opportunities and I can think of quite a few, even in our over lit inner city lives."

Autumn 2007

"Welcome to the Autumn 07 PATH newsletter. Summer has rushed by and I’ve really enjoyed catching up with all the news of what Tower Hamlets play projects got up to in the holidays. You’ll see some photos and comments from some of our members on the Your Summer page.
We’ve lost and gained some staff as well."

Summer 2007

"Welcome to the Summer edition of the PATH newsletter. The past few months have been full of funding highs and lows, the fun and inspiration of Play Wales conference Spirit of Adventure and the anticipation that we will get funding for the camping project.

I’m really pleased with the way our new website is looking and look forward to your comments and input about your own projects.

Roll on the summer holidays"

Autumn 2006

" The whirlwind that was summer seems like a distant blur whilst our East London Play Conference looms in the near horizon.

East London Playday was the best yet. The pictures of the uban eco camp cheer me up every time I look at them. Hopefully all the activities will have inspired play projects, children and their parents to branch out a little in their adventurous play choices.

You’ll notice from Rachel’s article that she is off to pastures new. We wish her luck and know she’ll make a great mum. Look out for our new boss (Glenys Tolley) at the East London Play Conference on the 31st October. With contributions from Gordon Sturrock, Marc Armitage and our own Jo Moon you can’t afford to miss it..."

Summer 2006

"Welcome to our Summer edition.
As well as keeping you updated with what’s going on in PATH and the wider play world we’ve also added some play opportunity ideas for you. Rachel has compiled an article of Wild Places to visit for some adventurous fun and also come up with some ideas for using Loose Parts on play projects. In May over 20 delegates from Tower Hamlets play projects attended the Spirit of Adventure Conference in Wales. It was great to go with so many people from our borough and I’m hoping they’ll al want to go again next year! Which reminds me don’ forget to put in your diaries the 31st October for the second East London Play Conference..."

Spring 06

"You’ll be able to tell from all the write ups in PATH news that our projects have been very busy over the winter months. I have every respect for the Out to Play on the Ocean and particularly the Playworkers in Parks who have braved the cold weather this winter and continued to deliver outdoor play to the Borough’s children. If you need any advice on warm clothing or suitable tents and fire baskets then Robyn and Eleanor are the people to ask!"