This article is sponsored by Park Playground. 

Who knew a group of eight middle aged women could have so much fun romping around a distant planet, fighting aliens and solving the world’s clean energy crisis in about an hour?

When I suggested a virtual reality experience at Park Playground to members of my Harrogate book club, it’s fair to say they were a little sceptical. This was tech that they’d no idea about but, I successfully argued, would make us pretty cool with our kids and grandchildren.

I had already been to Park Playground on a wet August day with an eleven year old and had a blast…literally.  I was convinced Book Club would also find it hilarious.

Group of visitors to Park Playground in Leeds, Photograph provided by Park Playground

Off we set from Harrogate for a night out in Leeds, beginning with our session at Park Playground.

Ahmad was hosting us and we began by taking a virtual lift to the top of a sky-scraper. Once at the top, the doors opened and we each had to walk a plank off what felt like the top of the Burj Khalifa. If you can’t stand heights like me, it’s so real it’s terrifying. I couldn’t do it – but some of my fellow book lovers did it, egged on by the rest of us, shouting encouragement.

So the scene was set for our main session – a journey to a distant planet to collect a crystal which produces clean energy. We fought aliens (big and small) and an enemy army so we had to work as a team. Team work is very hard when you all start acting like teenagers and spend much of the session screaming and howling with laughter.

Our mission was eventually accomplished and we had saved the planet. Pheww. Book Club were awesome!

The technology is so impressive – you feel as though you really are jetpacking and the aliens who come at you are intimidating. It’s serious fun.

Park Playground is not just for the kids – it’s for everyone. I think every Book Club should go – as should every work team.

You enter another world, you are immersed in your new surroundings and it’s one of the best hours I’ve had this year.

Transport yourself to another world for half the price and double the fun, with our exclusive vouchers.

Enjoy 50% off a 60-minute VR experience at Park Playground in Leeds for 4 people!

A martial arts demonstration will be among the highlights at the 20th annual Calcutt Gala, which is being held tomorrow at Knaresborough Forest Cricket Club.

The event promises entertainment for the whole family, including a raffle, tombola and various games and races from 12pm onwards.

Entry is £2 for adults and free for under-12s. Money from the event will go towards cricket club facilities, with a focus on developing the women’s and junior cricket teams.

One of the event organisers and member of the cricket club, David Alloway, told the Stray Ferret:

“We are very much a family-orientated club, with a growing membership across the men’s, junior’s and women’s sections.

“Funds raised will help us to continue to invest in our facilities to provide cricket for everyone.”

There will be 12 stalls at the gala, all different from last year’s event, with sweets and craft stalls, and food from the Fat Birds Bakery.

Bouncy castles and face painting will be available, as well as a tractor for children to enjoy. The emergency services will be present too, providing a fire engine, an ambulance and a police car to look at.

The club will be offering children the opportunity to play cricket for free.

Live music is provided by “local and up-and-coming” bands from 1pm on the day. The bands include Hamish Harper, Leo Hicks, In Shambles and Hot Sauce.

Food and drink will be available on site with both a barbecue and a bar. There will also be candy floss and an ice cream van.

Mr Alloway summarised the day as a “good afternoon in Calcutt”.

For further information, contact David Alloway on 07866 591511 or send him an email.

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