This week, our annual DreamNight event returned to provide a special evening for local children who face more challenges than most.
The return of the Trust’s ‘DreamNight’ event, following a hiatus during the Covid 19 pandemic, welcomed over 200 children along with their families and carers from local hospices, youth charities, and children’s support groups. They all came along to enjoy an exclusive evening of inspiration and entertainment featuring a fantastic flying display with a chance to see the our birds fly exhilaratingly close. It was great to hear the Trust come alive with excited cheers from the children as the birds flew over their heads!
Alongside the flying display, the children enjoyed other activities including tractor rides, face painting, meeting the animals from Finkley Down Farm Park and pony rides with the team from Andover Riding for the Disabled Association.
A delicious barbeque was provided with help from Green Farm Events and Sumblers Brothers Butchers, as well as a delicious spread of cakes and sweet treats provided by Women’s Institutes. Local musicians and entertainers were also in attendance providing a magical atmosphere during the evening, with Jonathon the Jester bringing delight through jokes and cheer.
Penny Smout, Hawk Conservancy Trust CEO, explained that the Trust has been excited to bring back this special night for local children. She said: “DreamNight is such an enjoyable evening, for both the guests and our team here at the Trust. It was magical to welcome the children and watching the smiles on their faces throughout the event was a joyous sight to see once again. We are delighted to have this special event back.”
Felicity Strawson-Etherington, who attended with her daughter Mabel said: “Thank you for a wonderful evening! Watching my daughter Mabel in awe of the birds swooping over her head was just brilliant. Thank you to all the team who were all so lovely and helpful.”
‘DreamNight at the Zoo’ is an event that started in the Netherlands in 1996 and has since become a global initiative. We have been running DreamNights over the last decade but was forced to pause the events during the COVID 19 pandemic.
While the Hawk Conservancy Trust funded this year’s event itself it has said a big thank you to those that have taken part and to all staff and volunteers who came to help.
It is an event that the Trust would like to continue next year and to enable this it is looking for funders who could help and is asking any companies or individuals to get in touch using contact details which can be found at its website www.hawk-conservancy.org
Photographs provided by Viv Broughton
