Saturday 13th April
Report written by Sevan
Today was the first day of service by All Aboard Club to The Log Cabin in Northfields. The purpose of the service is to allow neurodiverse children to interact through playing with a giant train set. This includes resolving train scheduling errors where Thomas the tank engine and a TGV happen to find themselves speeding towards each other on the same stretch of track.
Kash, Steph Ducat, Ijo and Sevan were part of a 9 person track engineering team, preparing the set before the children's arrival. They and the regular All Aboard Club volunteers were playing too and like the neurodiverse children, worked by themselves at times until they encountered someone else's bit of track. They then had to work with the other track engineer to make the 2 parts fit together.
Unlike many large scale British engineering projects, it all came together perfectly and on time. It was even on budget (a.k.a. free)! Bridges, branches, tunnels and stations were all ready for the excited train drivers to experience.
Before leaving, Sevan tried to inhale some sultanas to power him onto the next task in Southall. A couple of them dropped and landed on the track, almost causing a catastrophic derailment. Luckily the Chief Engineer, Richard, saved the day by clearing the line. Phew!
All Aboard Club runs play sessions across London and Surrey for autistic ADHD and SEND children, where they can build and play with our giant train sets in a safe, understanding and supportive environment.
See moreMon 15th Apr at 11:56am
Thanks again for all your help. The children really enjoyed the track you built, and we look forward to seeing you again next month. - Richard
Ealing
Fun, fresh air and fitness for young people