Originally published in the North Norfolk News, February 2007. Lightly proofread from the surviving column copy, with routine sign-offs or unrelated asides trimmed. The views, figures and circumstances are those of the period.
A new report has highlighted that health and safety is taking the joy out of children's play areas in the county. The report shows that children are now searching for more dangerous places to go rather than these safe ideas for playgrounds. The report also found that 21 villages in north Norfolk had no play areas at all, and over 90pc of teenagers claimed there was not enough to do around here.
So where has all the fun activities gone? As a child it was a regular occasion for my grandmother to take me over to the playing field and play a game of cricket in the summer, or her having to push me on the swings. Although there were always minor risks with this (if not for me, for my grandmother!) no one let safety measures spoil the fun. Just a decade down the line, and playing fields now seem deserted, or have gone to make way for new building developments. There may be people out there right now sighing in relief that they don't have to spend afternoon pushing their grandchildren on a swing, but surely these are the memories of them that you'll remember the most? Not children with a book in their hand, or stuck playing a politically correct computer game.
It could, of course, be the changing times for the new generation. Skateboards and skate parks were the ‘in’ thing when I was at primary school, and all kids wanted one in their town. The local councils either didn’t listen, or again refused them because of health and safety. The craze wore off, and now only 12% who were questioned want to skate parks in their town. Officials are now left looking for new ways to spend a possible £200,000 funding – with teenagers requesting more discos, sports equipment and recording facilities in their area.
Speaking of childhood memories, I’m sure you’ve all had an amazing childhood trip to the beaches in Norfolk. Well forget photographic memories, you could soon take the smell back with you too. Scientists at the UEA were able to isolate bacteria on the beach in Stiffkey, and extract the gene responsible for the smell of sea air. There’s been a huge market for perfume and fragrances recently, how about ‘eau de Cromer’ for your body or even your home? Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it!