Merlin’s Magic Wand

It’s been a little bit of an open secret at Victoria but over the past few months Merlin’s Magic Wand, the worldwide children’s charity have been busy bringing their special brand of magic to our school. Merlin’s Magic Wand is a unique charitable organisation which was set up in 2008 by Merlin Entertainments to deliver magical experiences to seriously ill, disabled and disadvantaged children across the world. Some children, due to the nature of their illness or disability, are physically unable to visit Merlin attractions, this is why they invest in taking the magic to the Children. They want to ensure that local children who are prevented from visiting their attractions due to severe illness, physical disability or other exceptional circumstances still have the opportunity to experience the unique magic of Merlin.

Shortly before our new hydrotherapy pool was complete we made a bid to Merlin to ask them if they would come and transform our swimming pool changing rooms into something wonderful. Our bid was successful and Merlin’s Magic Wand went one better by not only transforming our changing rooms but also the corridor leading to it. After months of hard work by their dedicated design team the project was completed and yesterday we held a launch event.

The Earl of Shaftesbury and football legend Harry Redknapp attended along with dignitaries from Merlin’s themselves, Morgan Sindall and the school’s governing board. After keynote speeches from Sandra Hazel and Gordon Mutton from Merlin’s and Head Teacher Simon Brown student Joanne Sibley performed the opening ceremony. As you will see from the photographs Merlin’s Magic Wand have miraculously transformed these environments and really have brought magic to our student’s swimming experience. We cannot thank Merlin’s Magic Wand enough but I’m sure that the reactions of our students will be thanks enough.