HUNDREDS of children from Ysgol Y Deri Special School in Penarth were given a day out to remember recently at Barry Island Pleasure Park.
Ysgol Y Deri is the largest special school of its kind in Britain and caters to the specific requirements of young people aged between three and 19 who have a range of learning and physical needs.
The free trip was arranged by the pleasure park’s owner, Henry Danter, working with local Freemasons.
The number of children wanting to visit the fairground was so high that the trip had to be split across two days to avoid overcrowding.
Mr Danter, 79, who comes from a long line of showmen dating back to the 1800s said: “I’ve been very fortunate in my life to have been working in funfairs and doing a job I really enjoy, and I think it’s important to give something back.”
“With the help of Freemasons in Barry, we’ve been able to give the children a very special day at the pleasure park that they’ll never forget. To see them looking so happy and excited was wonderful.
“In the days since, I’ve received so many cards and gifts from the parents and carers of these very special children – I’d be an alcoholic if I drank all the booze I’ve been given but I’ve allowed myself a few glasses of wine!
“It meant a lot to me to be able to put together this free day out and I’d like to work with the school to make it an annual event,” he said.
Seven local Freemasons were present during the two days to help co-ordinate the trip and ensure the safety of everyone present.
Gary Downes, one of the organisers from Barry Masonic Hall said: “It was a pleasure to work with Ysgol Y Deri and headteacher Chris Britten to make this trip possible.
“I’d also like to thank Henry Danter for his generosity in allowing so many children to visit his pleasure park free of charge.
“The three main tenets of Freemasonry are brotherly love of one another, the truth – meaning the courage to live – and be true to high standards of morality, and relief, which means the voluntary giving of help.
“This was a very special day for the children, but also for myself and my Masonic brethren, and we very much look forward to working with Mr Danter to make this an annual event.”
By MARCUS STEAD
Other items to read:
- First Minister accused of ‘letting victims down’ over grooming gangs inquiry
- What does my ‘Sentinel Apiary’ actually do?
- Trio are sentenced over ‘drugs in prison’ plot
- The bells, the bells – bringing a Time and Tide Bell to Barry
- Penalty shoot out leads to Cup exit for Airport
⭐ All of our social media in one handy place – here
First Minister accused of ‘letting victims down’ over grooming gangs inquiry
What does my ‘Sentinel Apiary’ actually do?
Trio are sentenced over ‘drugs in prison’ plot
The bells, the bells – bringing a Time and Tide Bell to Barry
Penalty shoot out leads to Cup exit for Airport
Ring rusty Barry RFC make a promising start
