THE Cowdenbeath Area Adult Learning Local Planning Group organised two family fun days, which proved highly successful despite one being hit by the weather.

The first of the two days took place in Trinity Church, Cowdenbeath. This was an open day with stalls holding information from all the partners of the Local Planning Group along with face painting, a fruit and vegetable stall, book bugs sessions with the libraries and a mini-kickers taster.

The day was very successful and 56 people attended. The feedback from participants was very positive and included "Fun day for kids, my son really enjoyed the football", "lots of fun, glad we came", "very good day for families, enjoyed it" and many people signed up for courses and showed interest in future activities for families.

The second of the family fun days took place at Blairadam Forest. This day included a treasure hunt, den building and toasting marshmallows on a campfire.

This was a partnership between Fife Council and The Forestry Commission. Despite the torrential rain nine families attended and a youth group from Kirkcaldy joined for the fun packed day! There were also volunteers from the forestry volunteer project helping on the day and keeping the fire burning, which was not an easy task in the rain! Feedback from participants was very positive for this day too apart from the weather and many said they would be keen to take part in regular family activities.

Mairi McKain, Community Education Worker with Fife Council and Co-ordinator of the Local Planning Group, said, "Both family fun days were a fantastic way to engage with families and take information about learning opportunities to local communities, as well as highlighting what is happening in the local area and allowed people to try something different and spend quality time with their family" The Local Planning Group organise adult learning courses and classes, but are looking to deliver more family learning activities across the area.

The group is made up of a variety of partners including Brag Enterprises, The Volunteer Centre, Fife Council Community Learning and the Development, Worker's Education Association, Adult Basic Education, Early Years Family Workers, Community Food Development Project, Client Action Team and volunteers from the community, to name but a few!

"The area we cover includes Ballingry to Cowdenbeath and Cardenden to Kelty and everywhere in between," added Mairi.

Our pictures show the group braving the weather at Blairadam Forest. If you are interested in getting involved or would like to find out more, contact Mairi McKain 01383 831313.