Every June, the Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland, together with KidsOut, take thousands of disadvantaged children on a fun day out. The children visit the seaside, theme parks, adventure playgrounds and zoos, giving them all wonderful memories to cherish for a lifetime. After a 2 year break due to Covid, this year George and Anne Stephens accompanied 14 children, the deputy head and 2 support staff from Abbotswood Junior School to Marwell Zoo.
The children were very excited to have a fun day out of school.
We listened to a talk about the Marwell Humboldt penguins and the adults were impressed with the way the children listened and asked appropriate questions.
Our visit included the Tropical House, which gave us the opportunity to encounter a diversity of wildlife and exotic plants in a tropical climate. It was interesting to have birds flying free within the exhibit.
The children generally struggle to decide on a favourite experience. Rolling down the hill after lunch was great fun and surprise ice creams always go down well, but the new adventure playground was particularly popular, even in a shower of rain!
After the visit, Fiona, the deputy head, sent George and Anne this message:
Thank you for today - it was very successful all round. It was lovely to see the children in a different environment and playing happily together. They were so excited to get back and tell their friends about their day!
And thank you both for your kindness and generosity - I really enjoyed spending the day with you both.
'What We Do' Main Pages:
Annual Gateway Sports at Brockenhurst College, Sports Hall. Volunteers welcome. Sponsored by New Forest Rotary. Break for lunch at local hostelry.
moreSponsored by New Forest Rotary & Wessex Heartbeat with Meon Valley Heart Start. FREE although you may wish to donate on the day. Maximum places 30. Visit www.heartbeat.co.uk to book & for information. Starts 9:45am.
moreBand of The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary and rising stars from the Performing Arts & Music Academy at Brockenhurst College. Concert held Oct '24.
moreWe assisted the Totton Spiritualist Church in their project to give an Easter Egg to all children being supported through the Churches food bank. Also additional food and clothing for the Food Bank itself.
moreJoint event organised by New Forest & Hythe Clubs in April '24
more'Treasure gathered by our Rotary Club from Rotarians, schools and scouts for children who are carers for their loved ones.
moreThe following document by Laura Luff, the Senior Development Manager, sets out the LifeLab initiative.
more