CAMEL'S FACTORY VISIT WOWS THE CROWDS!
It was billed as the strangest sight a small Welsh town – or any Welsh town for that matter – had ever seen. 200 school pupils, one mayor and two camels visiting a mobility product manufacturer in Wales.
But, having accepted an invitation from Presteigne company Mangar International yesterday, April 6, pupils from the town’s primary school refused to believe it until they saw it.
But, remarkably, Bashir (25) and Kashmir (8) – who originate from somewhere in Mongolia! – made their dreams come true, providing an unbelievable spectacle for the eager youngsters on their last day of term.
Amazed headteacher Beryl Evans said: “I never thought I’d see the day when a pair of camels visited a factory in Presteigne. It’s a sight you certainly don’t see very often! The children were absolutely thrilled to come face-to-face with such incredible animals.”
Mayor of Presteigne Councillor Evelyn Davies added: “I’ve never seen anything like it. Seeing such incredible animals made the children extremely happy. I would like to thank everyone at Mangar International for doing something so different and exciting.”
The event was organised to celebrate the launch of Mangar International’s new product aptly named the CAMEL (Complete Air Moving Elevating Lift).
The CAMEL helps people with mobility difficulties get back into a seated position if they have fallen to the floor.
Pupils were given the chance to quiz the experts on the camel’s habitat, its appetite, diet, size, weight and personality traits before a select few were able to hop on for a short ride around the Mangar complex.
Andrew Barker, Mangar International’s MD, was first to ride the camel. He said: “This was a very special occasion for us and we wanted to share the launch of our new product the CAMEL with Presteigne Primary School and the Madam Mayor. The pupils were extremely excited about the camels and it was very satisfying to see so many smiling faces enjoy a sight they are highly unlikely to ever see again. We hope our CAMEL is as popular as our furry visitors!”
The CAMEL first found itself under the spotlight when it was impounded by US customs late last year when it was falsely identified as a live animal.
It will be given its second public viewing at trade show Naidex later this month.
10.4.06