Mencap

Mencap Funday is one of the highlights of the Habs’ year. It is day for SEND children to enjoy themselves, whilst being looked after by volunteers from both the Boys’ and the Girls’ schools. This year it took place on Sunday 25 June and it was a fantastic day due to the hard work and commitment of the committee, ably headed by Dylan (L6S1) and Eden (L6 JEP).

Throughout the year the committee have been tirelessly fundraising in order to be able to put on the best day possible for the children. Highlights of the day included animal attractions - two gorgeous ponies who were able to give the delighted children rides round the site and a petting zoo with cute rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, and a donkey to stroke. Children were also able to go on a teacup ride and a chair swing ride, though volunteers made sure they had a decent gap between these and consuming the free ice cream, candy floss and slushies! The ice cream and slushies were certainly popular in the 30-degree heat and the gazebos put up on the lawn by Mr Tansey to provide shade were a life saver. In fact, many children were attracted to the hook-a -duck stall just for the water, and the ducks were probably the coolest attendees on the day!

Participants also loved the face painter who gave many of them great, sparkly tattoos. The balloon animal artist was so busy that she had to hand out raffle tickets so the penguins, monkeys et al could be picked up later! The magician was another highlight although to the disappointment of one participant, he couldn’t make his volunteer disappear! The bouncy castle and inflatable assault course provided lots of energetic fun for both participants and their volunteers and the ball pool certainly kept the volunteers on their toes as they chased the runaway balls! For children who needed some quiet time, two sensory rooms were set up and IT activities run by Mr Franks were also available.

“This was my first year overseeing the event and both myself and Mrs Durmus-Ergul from the Girls’ School were awestruck by the commitment and organisational skills of the committee as well as the enthusiasm and dedication of the volunteers. As the magician said in a feedback email; ‘It was lovely to see the kindness and patience with which the students looked after the visiting children. Overall, your students were a credit to you, your schools, and to themselves.’ Year 11s it’s over to you to top this next year! “ Mrs

Pfeffer

The committee consisted of Nikhail (L6M2), Kishan (L6J1), Michael (L6R2), Maya (L6 SEB), Sienna (L6 JEP), Lucas (11J1), David (11M1), Rudrani (U5 A), Ashleigh (U5 Ansuz), Lily (L6 GXF), Dylan (L6S1), Eden (L6 JEP). A huge well done to all.