Our Summer Programme newsletter covering 18th to 27th August 2026 – the final fortnight of our Summer Programme 2026.
RPTB ran a varied family activities programme from 21st July to 27th August 2026 at Dick Collins Hall. 93 local families with 158 children under 12 took part in at least one half-day session. A third of the families (31) were new to the Time Bank and brought 49 children along. We provided 946 free two-course healthy meals and tasty packed lunches.
The Story-Makers Club with Sheryl Sze
“This is fun! Much better than staying home.” Children and parents joined Sheryl for The Story-Makers Writing Club, in a session focusing on creative flow. Starting with physical and vocal warm-ups, the group took part in a series of improvisation exercises that built up to writing short sentences, before trying their hand at their own short stories using both words and drawing. The group also looked at poems, including four brilliant works by Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho. An uplifting session!
Tales with Tracy
- Handa’s Surprise by Eileen Browne – Tracy Jones told the story of Handa, who puts 7 different fruits in a basket to take to her friend Akeyo as a surprise. But Handa’s walk takes her past a variety of animals, and the fruits do look very inviting…
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle – activities included making fruit kebabs (sharing out the fruit and safe cutting) and making green sock puppets to encourage trying the fruit! A very hungry caterpillar eats a variety of foods before becoming a beautiful butterfly.
Trip to Arsenal – 26th August
As a special treat for the young people who took part in our Family Multi-Sports sessions, we went on our own private tour of the Emirates Stadium and Museum. A big thank you to Samir Singh for arranging this great trip for us.
Family Multi-Sports
Family Multi-Sports with Coach Marcel from Supreme Ballers ran on Tuesday mornings, 10am to 1pm.
Well-Being Day – 25th August
87 residents came to our Well-Being Day. There was face painting by Rohima, nail beauty by Marissa, creative arts and crafts, and very popular mini massage sessions by Sokina Khatun to help parents relax and de-stress. Halima made lots of strawberry smoothies!
Here’s a sample of the healthy, tasty meals made by Marina, our wonderful cook, who prepared 946 meals and packed lunches during our Summer Family Programme 2026.
Play in the Park and Boating on the Lake
40 members had a wonderful day out in Regent’s Park! Our young Outdoor Explorers Club explored the park, with a Teddy Bear Hunt, lots of different games and a fabulously tasty picnic feast. The highlight was taking out the pedalo boats on the lake.
A huge thank you to May Webber and her ultra-friendly boat team from the Royal Parks, and to Mark Applegate from London Play for organising the games and the Teddy Bear Hunt!
Chinese Traditional Arts & Crafts: the Sword Dance
With Ms Yue Jin and Siew Kit Lee, children learned all about the Chinese Sword Dance, from the Tang Dynasty, which combines martial arts with classical dance. They made their own swords out of coloured card so they could take part in the dance – and take them home afterwards as a keepsake.
In our Summer Programme children’s votes, Chinese Arts & Crafts scored 10 out of 10!
End of School Hols Party with Super Sam – 27th August
There was lots of homemade party food. The ever-popular Super Sam came along to get the party going with lots of energetic party games and a noisy disco, and made every child a balloon in the shape of whatever they wanted to take home. Fabulous!
The children and young people who took part in our Summer 2026 activities were invited to give their feedback and comments on how we did, on post-it notes.
Puppet-Making Workshops and Children’s Puppet Shows
A whole day where children created their own puppet characters out of recycled and papier-mâché materials. They then developed a range of storylines and, in groups, learned how to put on a puppet show – performing it in front of a live audience of their friends and very impressed parents!
Venue: Dick Collins Hall, Robert Street, London NW1 3FB
Contact: 07566 792 376 • info@regentsparktimebank.org.uk
