The Twickenham forest has been ‘transport central’ this week. The 281 bus diverted from the usual Hounslow-Tolworth route and it pitched up in our forest instead! The children were delighted and drove the bus slightly further than the 281 bus has ever been, “We’re going to France and Spain, as well as to Kingston for the shops and to Teddington to visit Grandma.” Oh my, the oyster card is so very versatile in the forest!
Earlier in the week our sunbaked forest floor was ideal for drawing train tracks upon, armed with large chalks, we had train tracks hand-drawn upon the earth, running from the sleeping tent to the toilet area, from the art and craft area to the barn and a spur line to the mud kitchen. Lots of chuff chuff chuffing, whistle blowing and “tickets, please!” kept our young ones curious, engaged and learning.
On another day, our airport terminal setup was very popular! The children made their own boarding passes, made their own passports, put their luggage through a security scanner made from a small ladder and some old sari material. Our educators, armed with a small insect magnifying glass, performed a hand-held body scan as the children waited to proceed through to the duty-free area (also known as the chocolate shops). Each child stood still with their arms lifted as they were scanned and then they were given the go-ahead to continue through to the departure lounge: Gate 1 to Spain, Gate 2 to New York and Gate 3 to Singapore.
On another day we had a car wash in the forest as cars, trucks, buses and other toy vehicles were sent racing down an inclined tunnel onto a soapy tuff tray before being thoroughly washed with scrubbing brushes and dried with small towels. The car mechanics area was very busy too as oils were changed, engines checked and air put into tyres. Mechanics lay on the forest floor as they checked the undercarriage of several vehicles. Several cars received new paint jobs and one tractor had its wheels changed.
Thank you for coming to the Forest, we hope you all have a lovely weekend!
Little Forest Folk
Twickenham