2007 winner Sandra Melville
London Play's second Lifetime in Play in London Award was presented to Sandra Melville at the parliamentary reception hosted by the Rt Hon Lord Smith of Finsbury in March 2007.
Chris Smith welcomed more than 100 former colleagues and friends of Sandra Melville (pictured with journalist Polly Toynbee) in the magnificent surroundings of the House of Commons Terrace Marquee. The ceremony was again generously sponsored by Sutcliffe Play.
Tim Gill, previously director of the Children's Play Council, highlighted several current ideas about children's play which could be traced back to Sandra, and praised her "razor-sharp mind."
Mick Conway, Play England, felt one "needed a Fidel Castro-length speech to do justice to Sandra... a tireless campaigner for children's play... at least 30 years ahead of Every Child Matters."
Paul Bonel of Skillsactive said he had found her a "fantastic boss and an inspirational leader."
Presenting the award, Polly Toynbee said: "What London - and dare I say the UK - needs are champions like Sandra Melville. People who are passionate about children's play, tireless advocates, people who will not give up when circumstances to achieve more for children's play seem hopeless."
Sandra Melville said she was truly overwhelmed and deeply honoured to receive the Lifetime in Play in London award: "I have been inspired by watching children play, seeing what they are capable of when left to their own devices, entranced by their flair and competence," she said. "I firmly believe that a right thinking society guarantees time, and a multitude of spaces full of possibility, for children to play freely. I regret the loss of intimate neighbourhood adventure playgrounds, and despite some shining counter examples, London's school playgrounds remain a disgracefully wasted resource. They need to be re-imagined as 'places for play' and then to be available to local children out of school hours. There is still a lot to be done - but it is for others now to carry forward the momentum."
