THE CENTENARY celebrations of the opening of Simmons Park have received a six thousand pound boost from the National Lottery Awards for All scheme. Plans are now progressing for the celebration which will take place on Saturday July 7 and Sunday July 8. It has now been confirmed that one of the events will be the judging of a photographic competition on the subject 'The essence of Simmons Park'— images of the park in its centenary year — which will be open to child and adult amateur photographers. Other confirmed plans include maypole and stick dancing displays from Okehampton Primary School, a performance of music hall songs from the Courtenay players, guided walks around the park, a £5,000 firework display, traditional sports such as tug of war, putting and croquet, and old-time games including egg and spoon and three-legged races. Strolling around the park on the Sunday will be Sydney Simmons himself — or Stan Stormont of the Courtenay Players — who has agreed to take on the venerable role for the day. The weekend will conclude with a grand 'Songs of Praise' service at Okehampton's New Life Church.
