Kids Out having fun in the sun

Once again we sponsored children from Richmond Hill Primary School on a day out at Whipsnade Zoo as part of Rotary District 1260’s Kids Out day on June 14. Fifteen children from year six and eight staff plus Peter Wakefield, Sid and Sue Rutstein and I met at the Penguin pool in gorgeous weather.

More than 750 children with special needs or from deprived backgrounds were given the freedom of the zoo that day.

After a photo call, our group began a tour of the park, which includes bears, primates and many other species. They then saw one of the bird demonstrations.

Unfortunately the sea lion section was being renovated, so the children were deprived of the opportunity to get soaking wet, and instead went straight to join the tour of the park by train, before having a picnic lunch in the shade.

A visit to the elephants (always a favourite) and the rhinos completed the day before they had to go back to school in time for onward transport to their homes.

All the children appeared to have a great day out, and we have had some lovely thank you cards from the children themselves. All in all, a great day, a credit to Rotary, and a community project that started in Dunstable nearly 30 years ago. It is now a countrywide event with Kids Out a stand-alone charity. The cost to Rotary clubs was £15 per child, giving free access on the day to the whole zoo for children and helpers and lunch for the children plus a T-shirt, cap and badge. Long may it continue.

Leslie Robertson
Luton North