Travis Willey, aged 12, and his mum Lisa were inspired to set up this children’s club as a way of showcasing the sizeable amphibian and reptile collection that he has built up over the years. This includes a giant millipede, stick insects, a couple of fire salamanders, a crested gecko, a tortoise and two tree frogs.
They live on Oulton Crescent in Potters Bar, but South Mimms Village Hall served as the venue for the initial meeting – which drew a crowd of over 100 people. This took place early in November and was financed by Lisa.
Speaking to the Welwyn Hatfield Times, she said that:
“Being an enthusiastic collector and admirer, Travis expressed an interest in setting up an educational/social club in the area for children who have an interest or passion for snakes, lizards and other beautiful creatures.”
She went on to add that he displayed the different reptiles in separate tanks and that his confident personality made it easy for him to talk about their habitats and diets.
Educational clubs like this can always make use of places that provide booklet printing, if they want to offer written materials.