Verdict: I don’t much like it. I thought that despite the best intentions of the park, that many of the enclosures in the zoo were far too small for many of the animals, though no doubt they meet the standard requirement of acceptance. But, the zoo activities for the children are excellent. The food was absolutely dire, and I mean dire! Luke described the place as ‘obesity central’. A harsh observation no doubt. But, whilst I have some sympathy for people with eating issues, what I have little tolerance and charity for, is seeing the children going the same way as their parents. In this day and age, NO one is ignorant about food and what constitutes good and bad eating habits. Some of the parents I saw at this place want smacking…REALLY hard.

Also, there was no green space anywhere, and in fact the picnic area was astro turfed. I think that’s where Fishers Farm Park has the definite advantage, as it has lots of green space. The whole park was pretty densely constructed. The play areas were excellent though, lots of climbing, nets, towers, slides etc, but, all hard flooring.  In fairness to Drusilla’s it had lots of very good features, activities and thinks to do for the children.  However, what was irksome, was that despite a hefty ticket price, we still had to pay extra for some of the features. Not good. So, it was good to check it out, but back to Fishers Farm Park I think for us next time.

Things that make me happiest? Doing ‘Lick and Stick’ with my girl. When Orla had her sixth birthday, I asked people to buy her art and craft things, which they did. This was one of the craft projects, which we did together. A ‘Butterfly Trinket Box’, and unlike most of the kits, it didn’t take hours to dry between each stage. I did all the cutting and Orla did most of the sticking and we chose what would go where together. It was a lot of fun and looks very pretty. It now has pride of place on her ‘fairy’ shelf in her bedroom.

The day rolled around. I rushed Orla home straight from school for an early tea, got her changed and back to school for 5.15 pm.  Nicky and Ella showed up shortly, and the girls had a good run around. The Big Top then opened on time, and there was a general bun fight for seats. We got them both good seats near the front, but unfortunately a gaggle of rather aggressive boys managed to get themselves onto the front row and obliterated the girls view entirely, so we put them in front of us, and let them stand.

Then it began, introduced by ‘Happy’ the Clown and joined by his son (also a clown) called Pip. They were….FABULOUS! In fact, the whole event was ACE! I am not a lover of clowns as a rule (the film ‘It’ has a lot to answer for as far as my generation goes), but this father and son duo were a class act…very funny indeed.

The other acts were fabulous too. A ‘Hula Hoop’ act by Miss Jenny (a firm favourite of the Dads) and a Hungarian couple called Jose and Judit with a ‘Fire and Swords’ act. Lots of balancing of big swords, and fire stuff. Pretty good. Their son Zsolt did some nifty stuff with a Diablo, and they were on again later as  family act with lots of fabulous juggling. Miss Stephanie (also Happy’s daughter) did an exciting act on the Trapeze and later on with the silk  ribbons, a very talented gal.  A Swiss woman names Rahal Meyer did an amazing acrobatic act on the tight rope as a ‘rag doll’, very talented and graceful.

I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience as did Nicky, and watching our girls laughing their little heads off with such patent enjoyment made it a precious experience and a happy memory. We will definitely go to see ‘Happy’s Circus’ again. Check out their website.

I took also my lomo cameras and am hoping I got some better pictures with them than I did with my Fuji.

Orla loved every minute, though we had to ration the Easter eggs a bit, as she was in danger of chocolate overload. Given that she doesn’t have sweets as a regular thing, we have to be careful…as she can go a bit mental after sweet feast.