Record numbers turned out for Douglas Borough Council’s fun day on July 24 in Noble’s Park. Fine weather and a wide range of attractions that included a green zone promoting energy-saving and waste management initiatives ensured success for the event which was opened by the Mayor of Douglas, Councillor Ritchie McNicholl JP. In his welcome speech the Mayor said Noble’s Park was ‘one of Douglas’s greatest assets’, attracting events as diverse as Elton John’s recent concert and the visit by four NASA astronauts to unveil a plaque commemorating the centenary of the first powered flight from Manx soil, which took off from the park on July 4, 1911. The fun day was organised by the Council’s community events sub-committee whose chairman, Councillor David Christian, leader of the Council, said: ‘The fun day certainly attracted the largest number of people we have seen at the event. A great deal of effort and planning went into the day and I should like to extend my thanks to my fellow community events sub-committee members who, together with officers and staff, contributed to the event’s success. Thanks are also due to all those who provided such a wide range of entertainment and to the many stall holders who were clearly doing brisk business throughout the afternoon.’ The fun day also provided an opportunity to showcase the new BMX track officially opened by the Mayor during the afternoon. The new facility, which has benefited from input from Ramsey BMX Club, has been constructed to a size and quality that, it is hoped, will attract national competitions. Councillor Christian continued: ‘The fun day served to highlight Noble’s Park’s supreme versatility – from a performance venue to a sporting and leisure space in the heart of the Borough. To this end we are planning a “Party in the Park” on Saturday July 7, 2012 to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The sub-committee is therefore inviting thoughts from those who took part in this year’s fun day – and from any other interested parties – about what they would like to see next year. We would also welcome comments on any areas of this year’s event where it was felt we could have improved in order that we can work in partnership with the local community to create a truly memorable celebration in the park in 2012.’ Interested parties are invited to write to Councillor D. W. Christian JP., Douglas Town Hall, Ridgeway Street, Douglas, IM99 1AD or email Cllr.DChristian@douglas.gov.im. Ends