Bristol University’s Children of the 90s project has well and truly put the city on the map over the last 11 years … now they've called in the Royal Navy to help put the spotlight on their achievements.
Flying in to Bristol in one of their Sea King helicopters, the Royal Navy’s mission is to pick up two competition winners for the flight of a lifetime.
The crew — from 849 Squadron in Cornwall — will touch down at Headley Park Primary School, Bristol, at 10.30am. Waiting to meet them will be Alex Cole, aged 10, of Bishopsworth, Bristol, and nine-year-old Rebecca Moss of Yate.
The youngsters are both part of the prestigious child health project who won the helicopter flight when they entered an art competition — in which they had to make and decorate a paper aeroplane — organised by Children of the 90s.
His classmates – who’ll also get the chance to take a closer look around the Royal Navy helicopter while it sits on the school playing field – will cheer Alex on. It comes complete with the very latest high-tech radar equipment capable of giving a colour, computer game-style picture of the surrounding area, so the children should be able to pick out their school on screen.
Rebecca, a pupil at Rodford Primary, Yate, South Gloucestershire, will be bringing along her best friend and her parents. Said Rebecca’s mum, Lin Moss, “The trip will be an extra special birthday present for Rebecca who will be 10 on June 15!”
Speaking on behalf of Children of the 90s, business manager Martin Flanagan added, “Congratulations to Rebecca and Alex, they beat off fierce competition in winning this prize. The dedication of all the children who entered was typical of ‘Children of the 90s’ and is why we have a world class study that the region is rightly very proud of.
“Also, a big ‘thank you’ to 849 A Flight and Headley Park Primary for making this event happen – it is a great example of community co-operation between the Royal Navy and local schools. It has provided a lifetime memory for this well deserved winners.”
Editor's notes:
1) The Royal Navy 849 Squadron are based at Culdrose in Cornwall and 849 A Flight are one of two front line flights from 849 Squadron.
2) They are scheduled to arrive at Headley Park Primary School, Headley Lane, Headley Park, Bristol at 10.30am. They will take the children on their flight between 10.40 and 11am.
3) From 11.05am there will be an opportunity to view the helicopter and interview the crew and children. Martin Flanagan, Children of the 90s business manager (and a Navy reservist) will also be available for interview.
4) Our female winner, Rebecca Moss will be bringing along her best friend, 10-year-old Jessica Rumble to watch her take to the air. Her mum and dad, Lin and Jim Moss will also be there – together with her grandma, Jill Cryer.
ALSPAC The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (also known as Children of the 90s) is a unique ongoing research project based in the University of Bristol. It enrolled 14,000 mothers during pregnancy in 1991-2 and has followed most of the children and parents in minute detail ever since.