Wycombe Wanderers | Club | Community | Community

NO MESSIN' WITH THE BLUES

Posted on: Thu 16 Jul 2009

By Ross Jeavons
Adams Park was buzzing with activity this week, as the Blues linked up with partners Network Rail to promote the message of 'No Messin' on the railways.

Almost 400 children from local schools descended upon the stadium, taking part in a whole host of activities all designed to put across the key themes of the campaign.

Safety Education Officer Terry Hawkins kicked off the event with a hard hitting presentation to the youngsters, out-lining the all too real dangers of rail crime.

The facts themselves certainly told their own story. Over 250 people are killed accidentally or as the result of deliberate acts on the railway each year.

Criminal activity such as vandalism, stone throwing, and trespassing are the main worries and in the last five years 25% of all fatalities have involved those aged 8 - 17.

Kids receive education on staying off the tracks

Right on Track: Safety Education Officer Terry Hawkins talks to local school children

However the day also aimed to add some fun to a serious underlying message and so the youngsters were entertained with a whole host of activities designed to encourage safe use of leisure time.

'No Messin's own Football Freestyler Colin Nell (pictured top right) was around to wow the crowds, whilst kids also got the chance to take part in their own human version of subbuteo.

In the Game: Kids got the chance to join a human subbuteo game

Wanderers Community Scheme Manager Dave Evans told wwfc.com: "This summer we've joined forces with Street Dreams to deliver projects targeted in areas to tackle the issues surrounding railway crime and vandalism.

As a Community Trust Wycombe Wanderers fully supports the No Messin campaign and it was another succesful day down at the ground. Hopefully all the kids will have learnt something from it."

Schools attending the day were as follows:

Millbrook, Beach View, Disraeli, Book Hill, Ash Hill, Cressex, St. Augustine's