Sunday’s Open day – Thanks to everyone who helped and those who came!

Remember UR THE SCT!!

 

As England were storming to victory against Panama, the sun shone down on the first ever Shepherds Cot Open Day. The amazing weather could not have been more suited to an afternoon of sporting and environmental fun and discovery.

Supported by neighbours Highgate Wood School & Haringey as one of The Great Get Together events, there were activities galore and a raffle in aid of looking after this voluntary run sporting oasis.  At Hanley those who picked up racquets for free coaching sessions were rewarded with cream teas, whilst on Highgate courts there were games for kids, gruelling workout sessions and an introduction to inclusive tennis with both blind and wheelchair games taking place.There was also hard fought tennis and cricket matches. Young lads from North London cricket and Highgate cricket won the Cot Cricket Cup which was a’pairs game’ while Hanley beat Highgate to take the Cot Tennis Cup in two short straight sets!

North London – ever proud of its thriving women’s and girls’ cricket section – encouraged women and girls new to the Cot to pick up a bat and have a go.

A Tree Quiz challenged visitors to identify the 25 different varieties of tree in this little green oasis and a Treasure Trail kept children entertained. Crouch End Open Space (CREOS) were also on site to explain the valuable charitable work they do in the neighbourhood.  Little ones also had the chance to have their fingerprints taken at the police stall – safety advice and bike marking also on offer – and the arrival of the fire services with a fire engine gave kids the chance to play at being Fireman (or woman) Sam.

At the end of the day, local MP, Catherine West, still exhilarated following the previous day’s anti-Brexit march, handed out prizes and drew the raffle, with incredible prizes including a week in a Greek holiday house and X Factor live show tickets.

John Newton

Chair of SCT

Pictures by Andrew Holt