Many locals from Govan came over to say hello and find out about what we were doing and they were very happy that we were visiting and enjoying their local park – with some families coming from as far as Drumchapel and Tollcross! And we even made a new friend that was just in the park for a walk! Amina & her sisters didn’t know about Licketyspit or the way we play but Ruby invited them to join us and Amina had such fun that it felt like we had known her for ages!

It was so lovely to see children and grown ups alike chatting to each other and getting to know each other a little bit more in person…it’s funny to notice how nice it is to hear peoples’ voices naturally and not through a screen!

As you know at the moment we have to meet in smaller groups but can you you imagine everyone who came to play together on Saturday morning and afternoon making a great big circle?

Who came

Lydia, Queen & Faly, Dami, Abdullah, Amir & Ameen, Andzelika, Frankey & Zofia, Aya & Tia, Banaz & Sara, Haqim & Lawand, Ife, Fiire, Pemi & Desire, Olubunmi, Esther, Glory & Goodness, Esther, Firefunmi & Orire, Lisa & Lily, Ali & Magnus, Omar, Fifi, Islam & Basmalah, Beauty, Osakpolor & Osato and Titilayo, Aliyat & Ayomide… that’s two big circles of pals, right?

We sang Grandma, Grandma and Jelly On His Head, warmed up to our Big As A Bear rhyme, mimed our favourite moments and had extremely intrepid adventures in the Magic Ball where we landed on ice-cream land, had to rescue Ruby with a rope and pulled her out a sinking ice-cream hole, met unicorns that talked to Zofia & Faly, swam with giant fish and rode camels, crawled into tunnels to find the pyramid’s door, dug for a golden key and met a mummy who was in trouble, so naturally we helped her! And then we did everything backwards…back to the Magic Ball!

After play chill

A snack and a drink are always welcome after you’ve had a good play, so we tucked into samosas, fruit and biscuits and Banaz surprised everyone with a batch of delicious home baked sunflower biscuits…so tasty!

After getting some energy back with a snack and wee rest, there was more playing: the climbing frame and the rope ship were a hit with all the children and some also played football, tig and even hide & seek.

Some grown ups exchanged numbers and even talked about meeting up again soon.

All the children looked very happy with their Porridge & Play Tshirts and many wore them all day and they also seemed happy to get a new book to take away home.

And although most of the day looked like it was going to rain, the rain held back to let us play without any water proofs! Hurray for summer & playing outdoors!

By Taz, Effie, Shona, Ruby & The Licketyspit Families 🌞