AUG 2010 - Hundreds turn out to see young talent on show
AROUND 500 local children celebrated the end of Basingstoke's biggest summer activity programme at Everest Community College on Friday.
After a month packed with more than 40 activities, the finale of our Get With project brought together children from across the district for a fun day and barbecue, with farm animals, inflatable rides, birds of prey, circus entertainers and face painting.
Teenagers also packed out the school hall as 11 finalists fought it out to win the popular talent contest - Get With's Got Talent.
Sentinel Neighbourhood Manager Melissa Chapman said: "It's hard to believe it's all over, but I'm really pleased that everyone involved has gone the extra mile once again.
"We've had 650 children through the doors in the last four weeks, enjoying s
ome great activities like designing their own computer games, musical theatre workshops, and even sessions at the Chelsea FC Soccer School. Our Big Brother diary room has also allowed us to see what really matters to young people in our area, which is a big help to our work in the communities we serve."
Everest Community Manager John Perrin said: Once again the children were the winners. Our partnering with Sentinel and other organisations goes from strength to strength."
Parents have also been enthused, with comments such as "fantastic scheme", "very impressed", and "it's a great support", coming in thick and fast..
Get With was started by Sentinel five years ago, after complaints about large numbers of children roaming around estates with nothing to do. Since then, it's grown each year, and is now the biggest summer youth project in the county.
