Whilst Tony Blair brought a little excitement to Newton Aycliffe at the Excel Centre and at Hitachi, local residents group ACORN excited the children of the town with the spectacular Annual Petting Zoo at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre.
The popular event brought people from far and wide to see Rabbits, Chickens Gecko, Tortoise, Birds of Prey, lizards and dogs.
Little Acorns the junior section of the group sponsored by “awards for all” Lottery Fund grant put on a show to be proud of supported by Newton Aycliffe leisure Centre and their staff. Great Aycliffe Town Mayor Wendy Hillary graciously opened the event
From the beginning of the event at 10.30 am a steady stream of visitors entered the hall, from small children in prams to elderly people with sticks, and everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy the event. By lunchtime over 350 had come along to hold and enjoy the antics of the animals.
Jet and Ben the police dogs loved by schoolchildren across the county patiently endured hugs and kisses under the watchful eye of their handler while K9 Pursuits gave a demonstration of how well-trained dogs can behave and do tricks. Local entertainer Professor Nincompoop gave a wonderful magic show with balloon sculpture which kept children spellbound. Meanwhile Harry Potty transformed children’s faces with depictions of fairies and animals. So popular is Harry’s face painting that he rarely gets finished on time. Little Acorns Petting Zoo was the best ever. Keith and Rebekah made a marvellous job of organising all the various participants with Sarah and Ellie working hard all day painting nails.
Spotty Dog and Syd the Squirrel drew crowds of excited children everywhere they appeared in the town centre.
Winners of the ‘Name the Chick’ competition were ‘Chickaddee’ by Evie – ‘Beth and Freya’ by Kaitlyn Hill.
Many thanks to all our volunteers and members who put so much time and effort into these popular events and with over 500 people attending the Zoo it will have a rosy future going forward.
Ken Robson
ACORN Residents
