Milestone in bid for Shropshire hokey cokey record
A Facebook site devoted to a bid to set a new hokey cokey world record in Shropshire has already smashed through the 3,000-member mark after just a few weeks.
The Hands Around The Wrekin Charity Event page is spreading the message about the project which they hope will put Telford on the map.
The event aims to capture the spirit of a world record attempt in 1981 which drew around 17,000 people to The Wrekin to link hands around the landmark in a massive human chain.
More than 7,000 people will be needed to create a new world record for a mass hokey cokey, which will also be held at The Wrekin. The date has now been set for Sunday, September 21.
The initial plan was to create another human chain, but as the record currently stands at five million, the plans were dispelled and the decision to do the hokey-cokey was decided on.
The current record stands at 7,800 people.
Social media is being used extensively as a tool to promote the event and tap into enthusiasm.
"We've smashed the 3,000-member mark on Facebook already," said Alison Wakeman of the steering group.
"I'm currently looking at setting up a networking opportunity with local businesses as we're getting loads of offers of help via Twitter."
The steering group has already met Telford MP David Wright and this week met officers of Telford & Wrekin Council to discuss the idea.
"They love our project and will fully support and help where they can, said Alison. "They think our use of social media to generate interest is great and believe together we can put Telford back on the map."
Alison was inspired by the Telford Memories page on Facebook.
Apart from the Hands Around The Wrekin Charity Event page on Facebook, people can follow on Twitter at @hands2014, or contact Alison directly at [email protected]