THE LADY TAVERNERS TAKE CHURCHILL PARK SCHOOL FOR A FUN DAY AT SEARLES LEISURE CENTRE 06-Jul-2010
“You remind me of my Grandma”!!
Norfolk Lady Taverner Penny Dowen organised a super day out for a group of children aged 12 to 14 years who all have learning difficulties and attend The Churchill Park School in Kings Lynn, Norfolk. She and I, a fellow Lady Taverner met the Children and three teachers as they got off their school bus at Searle’s Leisure Centre on the promenade at Hunstanton. It was a lovely, warm sunny day. I had agreed to be chief photographer and reporter.
The first treat was a trip out to sea with Captain Willie on the Wash Monster. This is an amazing amphibious pleasure craft which used to be an American war-time landing craft. It was purchased by the Searle family after the last war on the understanding that the American Army must be allowed to have it back in the event of another war! After a skilful conversion at huge cost it now resembles a giant shark that would frighten away any enemy!
During the trip on The Wash Monster ginger biscuits were given out to stave off any potential motion sickness (none I am pleased to report, despite the swell). We peered through binoculars to capture the panoramic views of The Wash, the offshore wind turbines and of course Hunstanton’s beautiful candy-stripe cliffs. We gave the children a soft cuddly baby seal each and these were hugely popular with each child hugging theirs for most of the day. After another look through binoculars to see the lighthouse on the way back we all disembarked to the scary soundtrack of Jaws!
Our next treat was a visit to the adjacent Sea Life Centre where the children were taught how to hold a live crab (small ones of course). They were given a talk about rock pools and starfish and the instructor was very impressed with the answers to his questions – the children had obviously been listening with great interest and enjoyment. After seeing the penguins (“please sir do they fly”) and gazing up at the wonders of the shark tunnel, it was time for lunch.
Penny had arranged an indoor picnic and what a lovely surprise it was to see the tables all decorated with lovely bright helium-filled balloons. The children soon tucked in and the cupcakes were especially delicious. Penny and I just had to indulge too! The children all wanted to know if they could take the balloons away after lunch – soon organised of course.
After lunch it was time for a game of crazy golf and it was obvious some of the children had played before (not sure about their teachers though)! Everyone was having a wonderful time despite the hot sun, and then ice creams were called for.
All of the boys and girls were amazingly polite and well behaved. They just kept on hugging us and thanking us for our kindness. One boy named Bradley expressed his thanks with another big hug and told me that I reminded him of his grandma!! What a privilege to see the children having so much fun.
As we gathered back at the school bus all the children had their coloured balloons with them. Unfortunately one came loose and we all watched as the lovely red balloon disappeared skywards, floating upwards like a big bright sun.
We believe we brought some bright sunshine to the lives of these charming children today. And as we gave the boys and girls a goodie bag as a final treat, it was so rewarding to see their delighted faces. They had all been so engaging and were a joy to be with.
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