Willesden writer behind Henry’s Cat launches crime-busting website
Stan Hayward hopes project will engage youngsters
A Willesden writer who created an iconic children’s television show has launched a website aiming to reduce crime and encourage creativity amongst youths.
Stan Hayward, of Walm Lane, Willesden Green, the mastermind behind Henry’s Cat, hopes his project will engage with youngsters through animation.
His renowned cartoon detailing the adventures of a loveable yellow cat, originally aired on the BBC between 1983 and 1993.
The 80-year-old, who has lived in the borough for more than 20 years and run various youth schemes, first dreamt up his crime-busting website three years ago.
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It provides a breakdown of the services offered by the police, transforming them into cartoon characters such as ‘Chris Rabbit the Highway Control Man’ and ‘Sammy Snail’ the Undercover Policeman.
Thanks to a grant from the Age Concern Millennium Awards, which encourage over 50’s to use their experience to help youths realise their potential, his idea has come to fruition.
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He said: “I remember once visiting a police station with my daughter years ago and they showed her how they took fingerprints, she found it fascinating. I think the police could do more to involve young people in the work they do.
“I think more needs to be done to show kids how the system works and to encourage them to find about the police and the law in this country.”
The website, which is linked to the official Henry’s Cat site, also encourages children to participate in schemes including drawing pictures and making short movies.
He is hoping the website, alongside his other venture Make Movies would result in schools in the borough running schemes encouraging youth participation to the arts.
He said: “There are links on there to teach children how to draw certain things and encourage them to make movies and become more creative.”
“I would like to see schools run creative competitions with prizes for winners, I have old animation equipment that I would be happy to provide.”
You can see Mr Hayward’s venture by visiting www.kidscrackcrime.com
