Afternoon Tea anyone?

Children's Tea Party at Iveridge Hall

Every year as you know we hold a Ball for the adults. We had a few requests to do something similar for the children so this year we hosted a Children's Afternoon Tea Party! This was held in the gorgeous gardens of Iveridge Hall in Oulton and as we were nestled in a small orchard in an enclosed and private garden, it really was the perfect back drop to our afternoon.

Food was provided by the Yorkshire Sweet Cafe with a delicious menu planned. They normally turn up with a caravan but unfortunately already had another event planned on that day. It didn't stop them from turning up with LOTS of delicious food and decorations for the party. As well as a variety of sandwiches and homemade quiches and sausage rolls you had the most salivating cakes and scones to pick from. All lovingly displayed on china plates.

We also had Sam from Flamingo Chicks there to entertain the children. Flamingo Chicks is a dance company that provides an inclusive community giving children with disabilities and illnesses such as cancer the opportunity to enjoy ballet alongside their friends. They actively celebrate what our children CAN do rather than what they cannot.

The Garden Party was also an opportunity to run a raffle to fundraise in memory of two Little Hiccups Children - Aimee and Orla. It was also the memories of these children that inspired the decorating theme for the Garden Party - purple/yellow and butterflies. The money raised on the day will be going to the charities Dravet Syndrome UK and Leeds Mencap. They will always be missed and remembered. We'd like to say thank you to the families of both children that came to support the event.

"Thank u all for a lovely afternoon. Was a gorgeous tea party at Iveridge Hall. We had a lovely time."

"Had a lovely afternoon tea with Little Hiccups and with fond memories of two beautiful little girls. 💛💜 Too much cake and sugar caused shenanigans on the car journey home" 

"Thank you so much little hiccups for such a perfect relaxed day truly wonderful kids loved it, food was wonderful n I'm road testing my coffee cup I've been waiting ages to get my hands on one . Hopefully this can become an annual event xxxxxxxxx"

"Having a beautiful day. Thank you so so much. Xx"

Links: Iveridge Hall / Flamingo Chicks / Yorkshire Sweet Cafe (Facebook link)

Throwing the families in at the deep end...

Our event on the water at Yeadon Tarn was I believe, one of our groundbreaking events. We had a number of children trying something that they have never tried before. Little Hiccups believes in No Limits and making sure we fulfil this motto is important to us. We strive to challenge the children to learn what they can achieve - and of course to have a LOT of fun in the process!

The idea of going on a boat was challenging to some but after a lot of consulting with the sailing team at Yeadon Tarn we decided that this was a must for us to try. It wasn't for everyone - one of the children in particular was not impressed by the boating - but the point is that he tried! And he did it. He achieved something that day and we're proud of every single one of the children that were there that day.

We had a couple of new families at this event. It seems that there is nothing like throwing people in the deep end! (Pun intended - groan, yeah I know - sorry!) And one of my favourite things about the day has to be the friendships that were formed in those few hours together. A few of the children really melded with each other and a couple of friendships were created, with phone numbers being swapped. If that isn't a success I don't know what is. Little Hiccups is ultimately about families supporting each other and this day was a true testament to that.

The team at Yeadon Tarn gave us a go on the rafting canoe, bellboats and the Wayfarer. Even Jack who needed full support on the boat managed a sail in the Wayfairer as there is a sling available to hoist him into the boat. He was made comfortable in a beanbag and off they went. Jack, I was told, absolutely loved it. His mum - not so sure as they managed to get some speed up!

For those taking a turn off the water there was a chance to have a go at caving. I unfortunately didn't get any photos of that but I heard a lot of raving reviews from the children heading in and out. The caving experience at Yeadon Tarn is a man-made cave with a ball pool in. Pretty exciting stuff!

The surroundings were also beautiful and as we were so close to the airport we were treated to planes landing and taking off periodically - which is always exciting.

"Just wanted to say what another successful day it was today at Yeadon Tarn. Really enjoyed it. Even though Bailey wasn't a happy bunny today we are thrilled that he got to try something he's never done before!!" 

"Thanks for an awesome day!"

"Thanks for a great day"

"We all survived. What an awesome morning." 

Link: http://www.leeds.gov.uk/leisure/Pages/Yeadon-Tarnfield-Park.aspx