"Why don't the kids of today play outside? Because they're too busy playing on their computers, that's why!" A conversation one hears all too frequently nowadays!

Five local individuals, four of whom are retired, decided to try to do something about it, so they've invented a game which they hope will encourage children to spend less time inside playing on their consoles or in front of the television and more time outside.

Their creation is a bat and ball game, which they call 'Woodland Pot' and they believe it would benefit children of all ages and abilities in a variety of ways, including improving fitness, dexterity and self-esteem. Although primarily aimed at children in Key Stage 2 and 3 (i.e. 9–12-year-olds), the game can be played by 8–88-year-olds, friends and family, bringing generations together for a bit of fun!

Mike Downing and his friends made a few 'prototype' sets and approached Norton Hill School to see if some of the students would try out the game and give some feedback. They agreed and after a lengthy 'trial period', the team received some very honest and constructive comments. They took the suggestions on board and made some significant changes to the design. Throughout the rest of the year, the group have been toiling away in both Midsomer Norton and Holcombe producing sets by hand.

Earlier this month, Mike and a colleague attended the school and made a donation of £100 to the students' chosen charity in recognition of their involvement. He also exhibited the 'Woodland Pot Cup' and invited the students to participate in an Inter-House Woodland Pot event, hopefully to be held at the school in the New Year. Mike added: "Who knows, if it really takes off, we might have inter-school competitions and even national championships held here at Norton Hill School in the future!"

Interestingly, recent discussions with members of the teaching profession, including staff at the Aspire Academy, in Bath, have highlighted the possibility that Woodland Pot could well prove an excellent medium for children with special needs and learning difficulties. Mike and his colleagues are arranging to meet up with various educational establishments in the area over the next few months to investigate.

They are also in discussions with Norton Radstock College to see if the college would like to be involved in the development of the game in the future, both in involving students in the production process and also in strengthening ties with local schools.

Mike Downing and his friends are fully committed to giving something back into the community and are looking to get involved with fundraising events through schools (and PTAs) using Woodland Pot as a way of raising funds, either for charity or for funding school projects. For details, contact Mike at: [email protected]">[email protected]