The Chiltern centre currently provides respite day and overnight care and recreation for up to 65 severely impaired children from all over the Thames Valley region. With the new extension, for which Wooden Spoon funded the new bathroom area, this can be increased to circa 85 over a typical cycle.

During the introduction to the unit by the Chairman of the Chiltern Centre Trust, Paul Barrett OBE we learned that Spoons investment had provided a revival in their fund raising success, and that despite the recession they were now in a secure financial position. One glowing example of inspiration was that 3 members of the builders team of craftsmen had been so impressed by the spirit of the children and staff, that they had taken part in bungy-jump, to raise more money for the Centre.

The manufacturer of the specially-adjustable bathroom equipment (Pressalit) then gave an informative slide show of the use of the equipment. Barrie Mair then introduced David Choules (ex Saracens and Wasps scrum half), who recounted his various extreme challenge event "career", since finishing rugby. Last year, he ran 6 consecutive marathons (2 in one day) across the Sahara desert. This year, for Spoon, he had planned to do a "round Mont Blanc" 160 Km run, which climbs over 30,000 feet. Unfortunately 6 weeks before the event, he suffered a severe thigh strain in training, so his endeavour has been delayed till next year's challenge.

We then moved through to the new facility itself, where David unveiled the plaque and cut the ribbon to declare the unit open.