A HAMPSHIRE National Trust venue has partnered with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (GOSH) to transport visitors to Neverland.
Hinton Ampner, near Alresford, has opened a magical trail inspired by J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan for Christmas.
By working with GOSH, the National Trust site has been able to help support the charity in providing a better future for seriously ill children.
The Neverland festive set incorporates 11 real Christmas trees with fantasy elements such as crocodiles and fairies to create scenes like the Lost Boy’s camp, Mermaid Lagoon, Tinker Bell’s Tree and Captain Hook’s cabin across the house and grounds.
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@hampshire_chronicle 'A Neverland Christmas' has opened at Hinton Ampner, near Alresford. @National Trust @GreatOrmondSt @GreatOrmondStreetHospital #christmas #peterpan ♬ Christmas - S&A
Artwork by children from Great Ormond Street Hospital have also been displayed on a gallery wall inside the house and in the Visitor Reception.
The Play Team at Great Ormond Street Hospital said: “It was a great ice breaker with one family for whom English is not their first language and they have even gone out and bought their child a onesie to match his drawing of Michael as well as a copy of the book.”
The Hinton Ampner team first approached the charity with the idea in June. All the teams, including rangers, gardeners, volunteers, managers and staff from the café and house, have pulled together over the past three weeks to bring the vision to life.
Michaela Saunders-Hall, operations manager, said: “It looks amazing and magical. We really hope all the generations enjoy, capturing the wonder in kids and the nostalgia in adults.
“It was really important for us to have this partnership with Great Ormond Street.”
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Claire Skinner, senior visitor experience lead, said: “This is a lovely example of all our different teams coming together. We have particularly enjoyed bringing stories to life, it works really well with the house here. It’s just so special.
“It’s a different experience and it’s a great place for people to make memories that they will keep with them.”
‘A Neverland Christmas’ runs from Saturday, November 25 until Monday, January 1, 10am to 4pm, with last entry to the site
Booking is essential for members and non-members. Tickets can be booked online or by calling 03442491895.
The trail is free but normal admission applies. For more information go to nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/hinton-ampner/events/3944b2cb-3a1a-4349-83d3-09c70dccc1eb
Click on the top image to view a gallery of the trail.
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