Wirral Life August 2017 | Page 8

CHARITY CARNIVAL HAILED A HUGE SUCCESS
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL STUDENTS TOUR THE WORLD

IN BRIEF

CHARITY CARNIVAL HAILED A HUGE SUCCESS
BIRKENHEAD SCHOOL STUDENTS TOUR THE WORLD
A carnival held by a Neston-based children ’ s charity to thank the local community for supporting it for the last 30 years has been hailed a huge success after more than 5,500 people flocked to the event .
The fun day , held at Neston Cricket Club in Parkgate , also helped to raise awareness of charity Northern Lights – as well as raising thousands of pounds . Northern Lights enables hundreds of children with life-limiting illnesses to experience holidays of a lifetime . The charity says its incredible achievements would not have been possible without the help and support of the local community . More than 500 children have enjoyed special trips , mainly to Lapland , since the charity was set up in 1987 – with more than £ 800,000 being raised during that time . The carnival saw Neston Cricket Club transformed with more than 70 stalls including crafts , street food , re-enactment history displays , police and fire brigade and a vintage caravan photo booth , as well as performers and musicians .
Among those attending the carnival was little James Hart , nine , from Irby , Wirral . James , who suffers from type 1 diabetes , enjoyed a magical trip to Lapland in December 2016 thanks to Northern Lights . James , who was at the carnival with his family and cockerpoo Ted , said : “ It was amazing at Lapland , I loved it . I saw Father Christmas , reindeer and the elf academy .” James ’ dad , David Hart said : “ Northern Lights charity is absolutely fantastic and we can ’ t thank them enough . James has had a tough time in and out of hospital since he was diagnosed when he was just six . When James went off to Lapland we were a bit nervous but we received regular updates and a film of James ’ experiences which is a wonderful thing to have .”
Karen Jones , chair of Northern Lights , a recipient of a Queen ’ s Award for Voluntary Service , said : “ We have been blown away by the success of the carnival . Our aim was to offer a heartfelt thanks to the local community for their support during the past three decades and we put on a show that everyone really enjoyed . It was good to see families , often three generations , taking time out and relaxing in the sunshine .” To find out more or even volunteer your support visit www . northernlightscharity . org . uk .
Students at Birkenhead School have enjoyed a spectacular summer of travel experiences with tours of Barbados and Catalonia .
A group of cricketers had the opportunity of a lifetime as they spent two weeks in Barbados , playing matches as part of the Sir Garry Sobers Cricket Tournament . The students were able to meet and play cricket with teams from Trinidad and Tobego , Guyana and Barbados , while taking advantage of the stunning surroundings and fantastic weather . They were also able to experience the local culture and tourist attractions , including a glass bottom boat trip , an island safari and surfing lessons .
Musicians at the School visited Catalonia for a week of performances at a variety of prestigious venues across the region . Pupils aged 11 to 18 took part in concerts at Girona Cathedral , Montserrat Abbey and at venues in Cunit and Calafell , where the Chapel Choir showcased pieces by Haydn , Mozart and Rutter sharing their evocative sound to appreciative local audiences . In addition , the group had the opportunity to visit Barcelona ’ s world renowned La Sagrada Família by Gaudi , and also the Salvador Dalí Museum in Figueres .
These trips are just a few of the experiences available to students at Birkenhead School , who this year also saw a group visit Canada for a skiing holiday , and twenty girls interested in STEM subjects visit NASA in Texas .
Birkenhead School ’ s next open day is Saturday 23rd September 2017 from 11am to 2pm where all children looking at Senior education are welcome to attend and discover more about life and learning in an inspirational , independent environment . Birkenhead School offers education from 3 months to 18 years and welcome visitors at any time .
To find out more : call 0151 651 4014 , email enquire @ birkenheadschool . co . uk , or visit www . birkenheadschool . co . uk
8 wirrallife . com