This was a chance for the 244 children with varying levels of learning difficulties and disabilities, from ten schools across the Wessex Region to have a fun filled day at Bournemouth Pavilion. Schools included Montacute, Normangate, Gosport, Tregonwell and Linwood School.
The Children were able to have their face’s painted, have glitter tattoos and even took part in reptile handling including holding a massive 13ft snake, huge lizards and even hairy tarantulas. There was also an afternoon of music, magic shows, balloon artistry and a Punch and Judy show. For many years everything was donated for these very special children but nowadays Variety are having to find funds for almost everything. Most of the entertainers reduced the cost of their appearances. These include: Alex -Southampton Reptile House, Ronnie - Diamond's Face Painters, Django Bygraves, Paul Griffiths and the Pavilion Staff.
A Big thanks to Anthony Bygraves who put the show together, and gave his time for free along with the 4Com staff members and of course the Variety committee members.
This was a different challenge for the 4Com sales staff, who mentioned that it would be out of their comfort zone, however they soon got into the swing of things. They helped everyone who attended in various different ways, from the carers, teachers and Variety staff by giving them a bit of a break when setting up and & entertaining the children.
Martin Dunne, 4Com Sales Director said “It was really lovely to see the children having so much fun, and what was really special was even the children that couldn’t talk or were severely disabled you could see in their eyes they were having a great time. This really touched all of the sales team and gave them a real appreciation for giving something back to the community. This was a day to be very proud of how wonderful the sales team are and what a great ambassador’s they are to 4Com.”