One of the most popular pastimes at Little Dragons takes place at two small plastic tables when concentration is the name of the game as 3 or 4 little people manipulate, roll, cut out and create using Play Doh. With rolling pins at the ready, cutters poised for action, it is good to observe the results of fast-developing control.

Play Doh differs from the plasticine of yore in that a) it smells nicer, b) is pliable for longer, c)comes in pretty and dramatic colours. Little fingers manipulate and create the most exciting objects, cakes, animals, worms, snakes and other magnificent creatures. On occasion a rainbow effect is achieved when less-discriminating, or perhaps more artistic, LDs decide to mix colours together – not exactly to the delight of SDs who have the job of trying to separate the artist’s palette before the whole turns into a greyish lump which will definitely NOT stimulate artistic tendencies.

Perhaps you remember from younger days the joy of new modelling material, probably plasticine, which could be turned into whatever the imagination dictated. The excitement of spending one’s pocket money on a new cellophane pack containing 5 or 6 different colours; the crackling of the covering as it was opened and peeled off; the intoxicating smell of – who can-tell – which emanated from the ridged colours; and the important decision as to which colour, and in what amount should be used first.

Play Doh or plasticine, or whatever similar material used, has a fascination for young modellers of any age. An educational psychologist would inform us of the need during a child’s development for media such as sand, water and play doh or similar all of which provide little resistance; all, as far as I remember, to enable the child to make sense of the world around. There is a very real need and real reasons for this – but it is enough for us to witness the present enjoyment.

Sometimes as we hurl ourselves through our busy lives, meeting with problems and hectic schedules which may be hard to manage to a satisfactory conclusion, it might be an idea to indulge in a little play doh or plasticine activity to release the tension. We could start a new craze – switch the TV off - and save on electricity!

Val Butterworth