Kung Fu Panda 2

The Golden Lion Children's Trust has PricewaterhouseCooper’s Gatwick office to thank for this very enjoyable visit to Cineworld Crawley to see the second adventure of Kung Fu Panda. The Company was organising the event for their employees and families, and most generously invited the GLCT to share the occasion.

A large number of Golden Lion Children's Trust guests enjoyed the fun, which included a drink and popcorn for everyone, and of course, special 3D glasses.

In addition they were greeted by not one but TWO Pandas, who energetically showed off their Kung Fu moves whilst guests waited in the cinema foyer, much to the delight of both the young and ‘older’  children.

The film itself was a delight, with “Good” eventually triumphing over “Evil”, for everyone’s peace of mind. The poor Panda is not the brightest hero, nor much of a leader, but with his gallant band could probably defeat any likely or unlikely ogre.

As the audience filed out after the film, they again had the opportunity to be photographed with one or other of the obliging Pandas.

And thanks to PwC’s further generosity it could well be that one of those Pandas will be spotted at future GLCT events! Don't be surprised if you see him!

South of England Show

There was a very special atmosphere as on Thursday 9th June 2011 as GLCT helpers met on the edge of the coach park to await a coach and two cars bringing pupils from Manor Green College, Crawley to spend the day at the South of England Show.

What was so special about this day? Representatives from Manor Green College, Crawley, were to have the honour of meeting a member of the Royal Family - Prince Edward, HRH the Earl of Wessex! The Prince was visiting the show, and it had been arranged for some of the students to be presented to him during his tour of the showground.

It did indeed turn out to be a special day for everyone. The majority of the group started with an hour long guided tour with one of the wonderful Show guides, and then spent the rest of the day mingling with the thousand other visitors who packed the annual event.

At midday, the twelve students selected for the presentation gathered at the arranged location; proudly received their security passes and lined up very smartly to await the arrival of Prince Edward. To everyone's disappointment, the threatening rain clouds became a reality but even that shower didn't dampen the children's excitement. As Prince Edward appeared, Rosie stepped forward and dropped down into a very dignified curtsey she had practised for weeks at school, presenting the posy of flowers (which she had carefully held for some time)to the Prince. He was very gracious in his acceptance of them from her, and then instantly gathered the children round him as he said "We can't talk if you are all standing in a straight line, can we?"

Price Edward, HRH the Earl of
Wessex stops by for a chat

Instantly everyone felt at ease as he asked the children about their visit; what they had seen; what they had done during the morning; and whether they were having fun. When Nathan presented him with a copy of the GLCT Newsletter he remarked that he had read that edition, and commented that this was the same as the one he had already received.

There was laughter throughout the time Prince Edward talked with the group, and he also chatted to the volunteers with the GLCT, admiring the fact that they take time out of their working days to help the children enjoy such a visit. As the Prince went on his way,one of the teachers remarkled that this had been such an honour for the pupils,and it was agreed that they had all been fantastic ambassadors for their school.

During the day everyone in the group had the chance to sample so many experiences. They watched Harris hawks and falcons flying free; tried their hand at fly fishing; giggled at several families of piglets who seemed as hungry as the children were; examined all sorts of farm animals, even smelling, but not seeing, a ferret; and compared the sizes of rabbits, from the very small to a couple as large as fox terriers.

At lunch time, the plan was to picnic while watching the visiting motorcycling display team in the main ring,but that was delayed due to the damp and slippery conditions. The group enjoyed their picnic watching beautiful ponies and traps instead.

There was just enough time for a bounce on the Castle and a trip in a plastic ball round the water pond for a few of the more adventurous pupils, before boarding the coach for their return journey to school.

Every year the GLCT try to ensure their guests have as much fun as possible at this show,as there is always so much to excite and interest the students. But this is the very first year the charity has been able to invite any guests the chance to actually chat with a Prince!

Credits:
Thanks to Chris Pascoe of Aspects Photography for providing the photography - www.aspectsphotography.net

Visit to Legoland Windsor

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 !!!

British Wildlife Centre Visit

Gathered in the car park of the British Wildlife Centre, Newchapel on Friday 12th November 2010 fearing the rain and hoping for a cup of hot coffee, the adults of the Golden Lion Children’s Trust soon forgot about both as their guests for the visit arrived.

Excited pupils from Newick House School, Burgess Hill; the special unit of Lady Margaret’s School, Ifield and from Manor Green Primary School had arrived to see many of the animals and birds indigenous to the British countryside.

Dividing into two groups, each with their own escort from the Centre, the children from Lady Margaret’s school set off to the ‘Theatre’ to examine the fascinating life (and death) of the Vole. The remaining children went with their guide for the day, Laura, into the Barn to meet various rats and mice, and to be completely won over by a beautiful Barn Owl. How many lucky youngsters (or adults) can say they have stroked a delightfully soft Barn Owl?

As a contrast to the Owl, there was the opportunity to touch a hedgehog - which amazed everyone at how prickly it actually was!! Laura then showed them a cast off antler from a red deer, which again fascinated children and adults alike.

With a pocketful of hazelnuts, Laura guided the group into a walk-through area to see the red squirrels. They ran from everywhere as they realised they were to be fed, and darted under people’s feet, along the railings and up the wire netting to reach their snack. What a sight!! As someone promptly remarked - “I could stay here all day just watching these beautiful creatures”.

After lunch the group wondered why Laura was clutching a blue bucket. The reason became clear when she climbed into the fox enclosure and was surrounded by five foxes who were soon tucking in to their lunch of chicken. Just next door were three enclosures occupied by wildcats, which she fed rather carefully, as they seemed very agile, very quick, and rather hungry.

The group passed by a polecat and a mink, pausing to watch some otters have their lunch, then walking on to the jetty which extends out into the deer park.

Laura swapped her blue bucket for two large black ones filled with bread, and we knew we would soon be feeding the Red and Roe deer communities. The deer also knew that the approach of humans meant feeding time, and were soon right up against the fence. The children all took great delight in throwing the bread, some of which attracted some nearby ducks.

Yet more otters to see, followed by a search in the foliage of various cages for owls of different sizes, and then, as the rain which had threatened for a while began to fall, the group returned to the shelter of the Visitors centre.

The second group of children with their guide Izzie saw the same animals and birds, and were entertained with the same degree of enthusiasm and professional knowledge as Laura had for the first group.

This was an amazing outing !!! What a fascinating display of our British wildlife !!! What charming and knowledgeable hosts !!! Thank you to the British Wildlife Centre for a most interesting visit and a huge thank you to our generous sponsors who made this visit possible.

Credits:
Photography - Larry Bray Photography

Bluebell Railway 'Santa Special'

On Tuesday 19th December 2009 Golden Lion Children’s Trust were able to invite almost 250children and staff from nine special needs school in Sussex to enjoy a morning on the Bluebell Railway Santa Special thanks to the kindness of one particular Lewes Rotary Club.

Alan Jackson very kindly nominated the GLCT as the President’s charity during the year that he held office – and he and his fellow Rotarians raised the funds to pay for this project. We were delighted that Alan could join us for the event and see for himself the fun everyone had.

Helpers with the project included staff from PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Gatwick office; Ashdown Park hotel, West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service as well as regular Friends of the GLCT. Guests were entertained by a clown, an accordionist, magicians and hand-painters while waiting for Santa himself to walk through the train giving presents to each child.

One class teacher summed up the visit by describing it as 'a truly magical experience’ ......... and that is just what the GLCT believe it should be!

A trip to remember

An invitation from PricewaterhouseCoopers to travel to the Peacock Theatre, London and watch their own company‟s pantomime society production of "Sleeping Beauty‟ was met with great delight. On 30th January, when other people may have forgotten about Christmas, 52 GLCT guests boarded the Turbostyle coach with much excitement, and headed for an evening at the theatre. What great fun. We were looked after so well throughout our visit by Susan Persaud and her team from PwC. The hospitality was terrific, and the gifts of chocolates and drinks were much appreciated. The fantastic performance was a great treat, and the GLCT corner were reliably vocal when required throughout the production. More excitement followed when the children had the opportunity to meet cast members and collect autographs (a special page giving space in the programmes for these was an extra bonus for the children). So much fun was had on the coach journey home, with everyone comparing autographs – thrilled to count who had the most, and groaning disappointedly if they had missed meeting a favourite character from the pantomime.

Another brilliant event for everyone, summed up by one Mum who wrote afterwards:

“Going all the way to London was exciting enough for the children – London at night with all the beautiful lights. ........ A brilliant time was had by so many children and adults alike. It was greatly appreciated.”

Thank you to Graham Lambert and all PricewaterhouseCoopers‟ staff involved in making such an evening possible for some very special children, most of whom had never enjoyed a trip to London, or in many cases, had not been to live theatre before.