In the past fortnight I had the pleasure of giving a speech before a couple of hundred guests at the British Toy and Hobby Association (BTHA) Parliamentary Event “Giving the gift of play”.
The event was a chance to showcase to MPs – about 40 of whom attended - the success of Britain’s thriving toy manufacturing sector and to highlight the vital role of play in a child’s development.
In my speech to the attendees, I referred to the fact that Britain’s toy industry contributes £4.2 billion to the economy. I also praised the various campaigns focusing on how play can help a child’s development. For example, the “Make Time 2 Play” campaign is a great cause which encourages parents to think about the real value of play.
I also spoke about the great work of the British Toy and Hobby Association who – since its creation 25 years ago – has raised more than £5.5 million for charity, enabling them to give toys to every dedicated children’s hospice in the UK last year and to every dedicated children’s hospital this year. Their work in this field has been exemplary.
I spoke to many BTHA’s members (including visitors from Northampton) and we chatted about the importance of play in a child’s development. Toys and hobbies still have a very important part to play in the healthy development of a child, away from television and phone screens. The event was a great success and I was pleased to have been given the opportunity to make a speech.