On Wednesday 12 July, 2023, former British and Irish Lions rugby player Rob Henderson, Sir Richard Stilgoe and Councillor Jackie Wren joined 50 guests at Head2Head Sensory Theatre in Oxted to celebrate the launch of the venue’s new Hygiene Room, funded by The Wooden Spoon Children’s Charity of Rugby.
The Hygiene Room, which includes a hoist and changing bed, is the latest step in the refurbishment of the old milking barn to create a space for the local and special needs’ communities of Tandridge and Surrey. The room is in the process of being accepted onto the UK’s Changing Places Toilets’ list for the benefit of local and visiting wheelchair users.
At the ceremony, Rob Henderson unveiled a plaque and joined students from The Orpheus Centre in a sing and sign of ‘Walking on Sunshine’. Anni Rhodes-Steere, founder of Head2Head, commented: “This is a huge milestone in the barn’s refurbishment, and we are honoured to have Rob and Sir Richard join us for this celebration.”
The charity’s plan for the barn includes providing social events, fitness classes, workshops, a cafe and a free lending library, as well as filming online shows for schools and families around the world, and giving live performances for disabled children and their families in Surrey.
Head2Head Sensory Theatre is a small accessible theatre charity that creates imaginative ways to make theatre and film accessible for everyone. Their work is known throughout the special needs’ community worldwide, and their YouTube learning channel has gained a lot of recognition.
The charity is appealing for support during this critical period of transition. If you would like to help, please get in touch.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.