Successful launch for Bushy Park School Tour programme
A group of more than 500 pupils, teachers and parents from All Saints Primary School enjoyed a comprehensive guided tour of Bushy Park Barbados on the day before last month's Radical International. A hive of activity as competitors made ready for the first race meet of the season, the Pits echoed to the sounds of excited youngsters as the facility hosted its first School Tour.
Bushy Park Circuit Inc (BPCI) Business Development & Marketing Manager Zoe Manning said: "Judging by the response to our first School Tour, I expect us to be very busy as we develop the programme in the coming months. The kids were very excited and all plan to have their next birthday party at Bushy Park doing a Driving Experience!"
After they were dropped off on the north side of the facility by a fleet of coaches, Manning welcomed the visitors in the Clubhouse, where they could enjoy the panoramic view of the circuit. After the group had heard a brief history of the St Philip venue, she led them on an energetic walking tour of the facility, starting with the General Spectator area and Festival Village, from which they could view the Radicals testing in advance of the weekend's races.
With frequent stops for questions and explanations, the whole group then walked down past the BP Bus Stop, the Emergency Services access to track and through the Quarry. They passed the Plantation House ruins, the proposed site for a Museum, which will celebrate motoring and motor sport in the island, then on through the southern ticket office into the spectator car park.
They were then given a tour of the Pits in controlled groups, the highlight of the day for many, including those who were treated to the chance to sit in one of the Radicals. They were also shown the existing Driving Experience karts and told of the new machines due to arrive shortly, which will cater for the six to 12-year-old age group.
One of the organisers of the trip was Wendell Alleyne, whose son David attends All Saints Primary and was one of the lucky ones to have a photo taken sitting in a Radical. Alleyne said: "The tour of the Bushy Park facilities enabled us to expose the children to something new, unusual and exciting during the annual whole school tour. And, boy, was it an exciting change! The idea of visiting a world-class racing facility was met with such enthusiasm - it was literally the word on the streets in the area.
"We even had to increase the number of buses needed on the morning of the tour, which resulted in a considerable delay . . . but it was worth the wait. We look forward to returning there in the future once it is available but, judging from the reaction, we may have to book long in advance."
Manning added: "We were delighted to have had our first such school tour of Bushy Park and to have been able to show the kids, teachers and parents our facility and give them a brief history and education on all that we do. We look forward to doing many more school tours."
For more information on Bushy Park Barbados:
www.bushyparkbarbados.com or Facebook.com/BushyParkBarbados
For media information, contact Bushy Park Barbados Media Team:
e-mail: media@bushyparkbarbados.com
