This energetic little robot will soon be seen round and about Palmers Green, a symbol of kids unplugged from their parents and free to play out.
"Unplugged in N13" will be the logo helping children identify Safe Points where they will be able to obtain a free Unplugged in N13 badge, speak to a responsible adult if needed, and occasionally pick up a healthy snack.
Unplugged and Safe Points are among the first ideas that have emerged from meetings between Catherine Nicholson of London Play and parents and kids keen to join in the Palmers Green Play Quarter pilot project. So far the Yard cafe (Palmers Green Station) and the Ruth Winston Centre have signed up to become Safe Points, and there are many more pending.
The first Play Quarter events have now been announced.
11th March 1-4pm drop-in: FLOW (film, lecture, workshop, other) - Spiral.
Please do drop by Varosi* from 1-4 (153 Green Lanes, opposite Castles estate agents). Come and play with all things spiral. We will be drawing with spinning tops, making spinning sculptures on record players, turning in circles and much much more. We look forward to seeing you then.
19th March 2-5pm Open Play Street, Devonshire Road
This open event will be a great opportunity to see how play streets works. If you are thinking of setting up your own or just want to come and join the fun, come along and play! Our special guest Keyo will lead junk modelling in the street. People of all ages welcome.
10th April 9.30-12.30 Intergenerational Knitting workshop
Ruth Winston House are opening their doors to younger crafters for their knitting workshops. Learn to knit from the best! Suitable for 7-12 year olds. Space is limited so email to inform us if you are coming. .
15th April 1pm onwards FREE Walking bus to the park
Led by Catherine Nicholson. Catherine, together with local volunteers will help children find safe and easy routes to the park from home.
Ages 7+ welcome. Bring your favourite games/ toys/ bikes to play with.
Pick up locations:
- 1pm - Corner of Fox Lane and Pelipar Close
- 1.10pm - Outside Hazelwood Primary School
- 1.0pm Where Oakthorpe Road Meets Green Lanes (near the Ruth Winston centre)
- 1.30pm On the corner where Devonshire Rd meets Aldermans Hill.
Return locations:
- 2.40pm - On the corner where Devonshire Rd meets Aldermans Hill.
- 2.50pm – Corner of Fox Lane and Pelipar Close
- 3pm – Outside Hazelwood Primary School
- 3.10pm - Where Oakthorpe Road Meets Green Lanes (near the Ruth Winston centre)
*Varosi: In collaboration with Art Guard, the Saturday Museum is running an experiment into what (with no funds) we can do with an ex Greek Cypriot working man's club with a privy in Palmers Green.
Another aspect of Catherine's work is helping set up new play streets. The latest street where residents have expressed an interest is Amberley Road. Catherine has been talking to the Council to try to reduce the amount of red tape involved in organising new play streets and to persuade them to relax the deadline for applications.
Catherine is also looking at organising a big playing-out celebration in Palmers Green, possibly tying in with Take Your Child to the Park and Leave Them There Day (20th May) or the Big Lunch (4th June).
These are just the start and Catherine is ready to consider any ideas that people have, especially if they are for something led by children.
You can contact Catherine on or via the Play Quarter Facebook page
This article was edited on 20th February to update information about the initial events.
