Kids Day Out – What's it all about

This year, throughout Britain, more than 28,000 disadvantaged children enjoyed a free day's fun provided by many of the country's Rotary clubs.  All kinds of activities take place – trips by train, coach, car, boats to fetes, fairs and anywhere where kids can have fun.

The Rotary Club of Teignmouth is fortunate.  We have the Grand Pier, owned by a Rotarian.  For about 15 years many disadvantaged children from the area's special schools in Torquay, Dawlish, Exeter have enjoyed a day out based on and around the Pier.

A hundred or so children, teachers and carers are welcomed by the Mayor and Rotarians at around 10 o'clock.  Half then go on the Grand Pier and half on the Teignmouth sea-front Play Park for about an hour when the two groups change over.  The Pier owner, his family, staff and Rotarians act as helpers and chaperones to the 'Kids' and their carers.

After this comes food and fun.  This year for example, at 12.30ish, ice-cream and a picnic lunch (provided by the Bocadillo Sandwich Bar in the Triangle) was followed by a short trek to the Carlton Theatre (courtesy of the Teignmouth Players) where Billy Wiz took over.  Billy is a professional children's entertainer with an amazing array of tricks, comedy and fun.

Around 2 o'clock, excited and tired, 'Kids' and Rotarians say farewell.