City Reach Easter Party

On Sunday 23^rd March, Canford pupils and staff hosted an Easter party for one of the school’s most established community partnerships, City Reach, now in its 23^rd year. City Reach supports the community of Northam, a small neighbourhood near the heart of the city of Southampton which is geographically quite isolated and with few local amenities. An annual programme of visits and activities includes activity weekends at an outdoor education centre, weekend summer camps, theatre visits, trips for the elderly and joint fundraising campaigns. Canford also provides support for the work of the Community Centre and its leaders.

Sixth Form pupil, Hanna, echoed the thoughts of the Canfordians taking part in hosting the Easter party:

“We had such an amazingly fun day with City Reach on Sunday. The moment they departed from the bus it was just all giggles, jumping around and holding hands. It was wonderful to sit down with them and have a natter about what sort of things they enjoy and about how excited they all were to go for a swim later on. We played endless games of ‘would you rather?’ followed by a mutual love for the scrumptious brownies that we were having alongside our roast lunch. We then migrated to the Sports Centre where everyone was able to play an array of fun games. The highlight of the day for so many of the kids was definitely the swimming which was evident by the amount of laughter that filled the air. It was then onto John O’Gaunts where we had sandwiches and crisps, as well as cake for one of the team from City Reaches’ birthday. The day ended with a lively game of pass the parcel and a dance party. Saying goodbye was by far the worst part of the day as they were such a lovely bunch of kids who gave the best hugs! It truly was such an amazing event, which I know we will all hold such a special place in our hearts for. I cannot thank Mr Allen enough for arranging such superb day for us all.”

Another Sixth Form pupil, Poppy, said:

“We started the lovely sunny morning going to greet all of City Reach off the bus. They were all so smiley and excited for the day of fun, it was contagious. We then all headed to lunch for a delicious roast dinner; while sitting down and eating we were able to chat and laugh with all the children and find common interest, the dislike of maths really got everyone chatting! From there we moved to the sports hall for games and fun. From football to skipping, basketball to hoola hooping there was something for everyone. Subsequently we went to the pool for more games and water activities.. Although I didn’t swim, I was still able to help out by blowing up armbands and beach balls. The laughter and giggles filled the swimming pool, so it was obvious everyone was having a blast! After swimming we all congregated to John O’ Gaunts for the final hurrah of snacks and party games. And ended the day on a high note of dancing to classics. I honesty found this Sunday so much fun and a day well spent that I would highly recommend getting involved in future City Reach party’s and activities to everyone!”

David Allen, Director of Community Action, commented:

Many thanks to everyone involved in giving the Northam children such a special and memorable day. Despite the initial disappointment of having to postpone the usual Christmas party to Easter, it was great to see all the children at Canford again having a fun afternoon and early Easter celebration, a lovely example of the way in which our staff and pupils support the local community directly.  We all enjoyed the day just as much as they did!

For further information regarding Canford’s community partnership projects please visit:

Community Partnership links