Linden Lodge School, is a unique state day and weekly boarding school for boys and girls aged 3 – 19 with visual impairments and a wide range of additional disabilities.

Over the last few years, an extensive building programme has been undertaken to increase the capacity at the school to include children of secondary-age with profound and multiple learning difficulties. The result is the new Harris Centre, officially opened in March. Spoon London contributed £12,000 towards the Multi-Sensory Garden that provides interactive sensory experiences in an outdoor environment including water features, a bubble machine, jumping jets and sound features. It was these facilities that Tikara was proudly helping to unveil along with her fellow pupils.

Tikara presented Dan with a painted Wooden Spoon and the whole of the welcome party presented hand painted Spoons (literally in some cases) to the representatives from Spoon and London Irish. “I really like the new Harris centre. Wooden Spoon helped provide the garden. There isn’t one bit that is better than the other, I love all of it.” Said Tikara, still grinning.

“I am in year 11 and soon to start work experience here at the school helping the pupils with their lessons.” But before she passes on her valuable knowledge to others she has another year to enjoy her favourite lesson. “Maths is my favourite lesson taught by my favourite teacher, Mr Schembri. He is also my form teacher and is nice and looks after me. I also like music and can play the piano, pop songs mostly; I can play ‘Never walk alone’ and sing along as well.”

Tikara’s attitude and enthusiasm is infectious especially the permanent grin. Her face lights up even more when Dan kindly signs his autograph. “I am really grinning now,” she said as she insisted on getting a hug from Dan. It was the biggest smile you have ever seen and Dan certainly knew he had stirred a few smiles with his presence that day.