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On Wed 14th June a number of us (David Graham, Russell, Dick, Margarita, Barry, Michael,
Conrad, Barry, Eric and Aziz from the Rotary Club of Hendon) spent the day with 65 children and
their helpers from The Northway School in Mill Hill. We took them to Paradise Park in Broxbourne
as part of the annual "Kids Out" event. Northway School caters for children with special needs
which include a wide variety of difficulties, be they physical or psychological. With two coaches
lined up, we headed off from the school at around 9.30 am. After encountering the joys of the road-
works on the M25 we all arrived at Paradise Park in high spirits and looking forward to a great day
out. Whilst the weather was much cooler than recent days, we were lucky and pleased that the
weather held out and it did not rain.
 
There were nine classes from the school which meant each of us had a class to join and help out
with. After visiting the zoo area of the park, we met for a picnic lunch at 12.30. In the picnic grounds
the kids also got to see a show of owls whilst munching through their lunch which was followed by
rides in the various playgrounds.
 
The children were well behaved and a delight to be with. There is no question from the comments
made by the helpers and teachers, and the look on the children's faces that a great and fun time
was had by all.
 
One of the teachers commented to me that one of her children spends most of the week cooped up
in a flat and this is the first real opportunity she has ever had to be part of and experience
something that we all probably take for granted. At the time I was talking with the teacher, said
young girl, was to be seen descending the helter-skelter slide.
 
The dedication and patience of the teaching staff and their helpers (who are saints in my eyes) was
apparent to see and I know that they are keen to join us next year if at all possible.
We all left the park having had a great time and I would commend any members of the club to get
involved next year with what will be a firm annual diary entry for me.
 
On a downer, the journey home took nearly two hours due to an accident on the A10 and road
works on the M25. This was topped by one of the schools children's mini-busses reversing into
Russell's car that was parked in the school car park. With a guess at £2000 worth of damage, I fear
the insurance company may write off the car!
President elect (2006-7) Rtn David Graham
Click here to find out more about Kids Out
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