Wessex Mead (Trowbridge) Rotary Club

Wessex Mead enabled 71 children from Larkrise Special School in Trowbridge to visit Longleat as part of Rotary Kids Out. Rotarians Caroline Smyth and Sarah Hiscocks spent the day with Kingfisher class.  Lunch and all the activities were included in the day out provided by Rotary. 

A coach and several minibuses plus some cars full of excited children headed off from the school just after 9.30.  First we spent time going through the Safari Park watching all the animals enjoying their day. It was especially exciting to see a 4 day old Zebra, and other young animals. 

After lunch we headed to the Safari boats where we watched the Meercats play as we waited our turn.  The two resident hippos were near the bank as we sailed past them to see Nico the Gorilla on his island and of course all the sealions - who were fed from the boat. 

Next stop was the Parrot show, this had moved to a new site as work is taking place at the old pets corner.  One of our 'kids' was chosen to the stage and recieved a kiss from one of the parrots.  A stroll through the  butterfly enclosure followed, then we were greeted by Longleat keepers holding unusual pets that we were encouraged to hold and get close to.  Some of our children were brave enough to hold the snake, others the tarantula to squeels of delight that they conquered their fears.

The queue for the steam train was quite long so a welcome icecream and drink were provided and our turn quickly came.  Strangely the tunnel seemed to cause the most enjoyment with the boys as we were suddenly plunged into darkness.  Sadly as the coaches had to get back to provide transport for other school children, that was the end of our day.  When asked which bit they liked the most, they said 'all of it!!'  A thoroughly wonderful day was had by all!