Toys from tyres

Perhaps you, as parents, feel that although the larger, more substantial pieces of play material (swings for instance) are very desirable they also cost more than you can afford.

This need not be so. Much can be done by improvisation. For instance, worn tyres can be had for the asking-so pick a large one. You will need some strong rope to go with it. The rope can be persuaded to stay at opposite sides of the tyre by passing it through holes easily made, for instance, by a hot poket. Another small hole at the bottom of the tyre takes care of rain-water drainage. A good strong support to hang it from, and there’s the swing.

Or you can make a bumper truck. Secure the tyre by screws and washers to a substantial wooden platform small enough for the tyre to overhang all round and act as a buffer. Four good castors underneath-or even three, and you have an exciting runabout toy to develop skill and agility in riding, just as the swing encourages agility in climbing, standing to swing, sitting to swing, lying to swing, in all directions-or that thrilling round and round ‘twizzle’.