Holiday Club 2005

Radio Leeds Interview

Two clowns, Bubbles and Squeak (played by Revd Carole Lloyd and Revd David Swales), and a song by Revd John Hartley (click here for the song) were the star attractions at a week long holiday club which we ran here at St James’ during the week ending 19th August.

[Please note: You can click on any
of the pictures for a larger version.]

The clowns crazy costumes and funny routines were part of
the fun and entertainment which helped the children to learn
about some of the colourful characters of the Old Testament and their stories in an event
based around a circus theme.

Fifty children between the ages of 5 and 11, all from the local area, came along to the club, which was run by Revd David Swales, the Vicar, Revd Carole Lloyd, the Curate and a wonderful team of 20 volunteers from the church.

During the week the children were able to take part in various crafts, producing a circus backdrop and a banner depicting the stories of Samson, Elijah, Daniel, Jonah and Moses for display in the church. They also played games including parachute games, team games and big garden games. Another highlight of the week was the children’s singing, especially their enthusiastic rendition of the song, ‘God gives you strength’.

On Thursday night the children put on a performance for their parents, families and friends which was based around the verses of John’s song, stories about the characters and the crafts that the children had made. In the circus ring that had been created in the church hall they acted out each of the stories that they had heard during the week.

Two sisters who came to the club, Bethany (7) and Chloe (6) Broadbent enjoyed the holiday club very much. Bethany said her favourite thing was “Bubbles and Squeak” whilst Chloe said she, “really liked playing the parachute games.”

Bethany thought it was especially funny when, “Squeak threw cream into Bubbles’ face” and Chloe liked it when, “Bubbles tried to pump up some balloons but he could only pump up one.”