Amazonia at the Jubilee Family Centre

One Thursday in June, the JFC was transformed into a den of noise and excitement. The hall was buzzing with anticipation… Amazonia was in the building. A vast number of volunteers had turned out to help at the last FATJs: one to be remembered. Families began to arrive in and the anticipation mounted. Children were engrossed in the various activities that were on offer from making spiders out of wool, decorating cakes with spiders and other creepy crawlies to face paints and nail decorating. But the real excitement was the reptiles.

Anyone who wanted to have a go was able to hold a bearded dragon, baby tortoise and various snakes. But the main attraction this year was a baby alligator. Children, young and old, squealed as they held and stroked the different reptiles. Many grown ups took the chance to ‘have a go’. There were many golden moments as children were given the opportunity to hold creatures that were just so amazing and which they wouldn’t normally have the chance to see let alone hold.

The last FATJs was a truly wonderful event. Lots of laughter and fun lots of happy families gathering together to enjoy time out with each other. A HUGE thanks go to the army of volunteers without whom FATJs would not be possible.

One child put it this way:

“FAT J’s was AMAZING!! I loved being able to chill, talk and play with all my mates. I especially enjoyed being able to hold the animals! I just wish that wasn’t the last one because I loved going to FAT J’s because it was so fun!”