Friends of Baydon School organise trip to see

Swindon Wildcats

The Friends of Baydon School organised a trip for the children and their families to go and see the Swindon Wildcats play ice hockey at the Link Centre.  The npower Wildcats have a ‘Cash for Schools’ arrangement whereby the school gets heavily discounted ticket prices for the school children and their families.  Then every penny collected goes straight back to the school that sold the tickets for the event.

Approximately 25 children and several parents went to watch the Swindon Wildcats play Bracknell Bees on Saturday 8^th March 2008.  The game started at 5.45pm and at the end of normal time (approx. 8pm) the score was Swindon Wildcats 3 v Bracknell Bees 3, so the game went into extra time.  After what seemed a long stretch of extra time no further goals were scored so the agony of watching penalties had to take place.  However, I am pleased to report  Swindon Wildcats won by scoring 4 penalties to Bracknell Bees 3.  The Baydon School spectators all jumped to their feet with delight.

Everyone had a great time and for many, including myself, this was the first time they had ever seen a live ice hockey match.  Many children and parents have since asked if the Friends could organise another trip.  The Friends have since spoken to their contact Dawn and they are hoping to organise another trip later in the year.

During the second interval some of the Baydon School children were asked to collect the npower cheque for £37.50.  This was the ticket money being returned to the school.  The 6ft Wildcat mascot Willie helped with the photo below.

Report by Teresa Penny

Joint Chairperson of Friends of Baydon School