Skybreak July, 18 2018

Your Service Centre Gatwick organise trip to Isle of Wight Zoo for Chestnut Tree House

A group of 20, made up of children cared for by Chestnut Tree House, siblings, parents and carers, enjoyed a fun-filled day out on the Isle of Wight on Saturday 3 June, thanks to long-term supporters, Your Service Centre Gatwick.

Families were treated to a trip across the Solent on a hovercraft, followed by a 20-minute journey on a private Southern Vectis double-decker bus to Sandown, where they spent a day at Isle of Wight Zoo. They even received a special shout-out on the return Hovertravel journey.

The children were given a short talk about animals, their history and behaviour, which included being able to touch an elephant’s tooth and tiger’s skull. This was followed by a tour of the zoo, where they saw meerkats, monkeys, tigers and lions, and collected stamps for their ‘zoo passport’.

Each child also received a goodie bag from Your Service Centre Gatwick, including colouring activity sheets and an inflatable hovercraft toy.

Trisha Cullingford, Fun & Friendship Coordinator at Chestnut Tree House said, “The children had a fantastic day at Isle of Wight Zoo and loved seeing all the animals. We’re so grateful to Your Service Centre Gatwick for arranging the day, as this type of trip means so much to families – enabling them to make special memories together.”

The trip to the Isle of Wight was organised by the Gatwick-based company’s team of award-winning apprentices, including Phoebe Kay, who has a history of supporting Chestnut Tree House.

Phoebe Kay said, “Living locally to Chestnut Tree House, and having supported them through my school days, I was excited to learn Your Service Centre Gatwick also supports the charity. Alongside two fellow apprentices we thoroughly enjoyed planning a trip for the children and families, and it was very rewarding to see them having fun.”

Lecia Taylor, Director at Your Service Centre Gatwick, said: “Having supported Chestnut Tree House since 2015 and delivering a number of once in a lifetime experiences, we are delighted to have been able to organise a trip to the Isle of Wight, coordinated by our team of award winning apprentices. The charity needs all the support it can get and we are pleased we can help in some way.”
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