An account from a helper on the GLCT trip to Legoland Windsor on 1st April 2011.
“Arriving at Manor Green Primary School, Ifield, Crawley at start of the school day I found children in their classrooms greeting their teachers and fellow pupils and listening to stories in an atmosphere of controlled excitement as they waited to set off for their long awaited trip to Legoland.As a helper for the day, I was seconded to Oak class, and stayed with them throughout the trip.
The atmosphere built steadily as we boarded the Knights Coach with driver Darren, and set off on our adventure. The nearer we got to Legoland Windsor, the noisier the coach became. Soon we were passing the various Lego figures along the side of the drive-in, and entering the magic world of Lego bricks.
Lunch was the first priority and a picnic spot was found after a long walk through the park. This was achieved despite all the distractions along the way – so much to look at and wonder about! After clearing away lunch litter we set off to visit as many of the attractions as possible.
We tried the laser shooting adventure; experienced the calm of the train ride - though one had to watch out for the water-squirting figures on the side of the track!! We huddled in the gondolas which lazily rose into the sky, giving us a wonderful view of so much of the park. We climbed aboard the galloping horses on the Merry-Go-Round, waving to the other children eagerly awaiting their turn.Surely the best moments were when we visited the car driving event? Somehow all our children received Legoland Driving Licences, though I’m not too sure whether it was because of the number of gentle crashes, or because we all drove on one side of the road, whilst most other drivers were on the opposite side. Suffice to say, we laughed and laughed as our ‘drivers’ stopped and started all round the course. (Thank you to the patient Legoland staff, who had their work cut out rescuing our enthusiastic road users time after time!! No road rescue service could have done better!!).
Our visit was drawing to a close as we headed back to our coach. But where was that time-saving, hill- climbing train that finished up at the exit? In vain we looked for signs to guide us. But eventually, and luckily, we found the train, hopped on, and were whisked up to meet with the rest of the school at the main exit.
Swapping stories on the journey home, we heard about the activities enjoyed by other classes during the visit before some of the passengers took the opportunity to doze. Darren, our driver did an excellent job weaving through the busy Friday evening traffic, and soon we were back at school, meeting up with waiting families and carers.Although we saw little of the sun, at least there was no rain. What a wonderful day!!!
I know, because I checked the faces of the children, and there were miles of smiles - all day !!!
