Affiliates and Thank Yous!
Photography
A huge thank you to the hugely talented Rachel Piper, George Wheelhouse, Belinda Atkinson, Peter Smart, Philip Ward and Cat Lane for our fabulous selection of professional photographs.
Affiliates
Here is a list of companies and organisations we work with, support, attend CPD with, or are members of:
Testimonials
Here is a selection of just some of the incredible feedback we receive. Please visit our Facebook page to see our latest recommendations from customers. In the 'East of England Small Business Champions Awards' we have also been a finalist for 'Best Customer Service'. We can't thank you all enough for your amazing support.
Have you had a visit from our team? Please leave a recommendation on our Facebook page, or email us your feedback!
Schools
"Dear Becky and Russ, Wow! Wow! Wow! What an amazing day! Thank you so much for coming along to our school and giving our children (and adults) this super experience. Some of them had never seen some of these animals before, let alone being allowed to touch them. The children could not stop talking about it when they were back in class. They learnt so much from their sessions with you today and surprisingly, even though they were fascinated by the animals, they actually remembered lots of facts that were mentioned. Many asked if they could have copies of the photos to show their parents. Both of you have a natural talent when communicating with the children and it was fun listening to you and watching you interact with them. You made it fun and exciting! Thank you once again from all the Year 1 staff and children - we really appreciated it very much. Great job, guys. Keep up the brilliant work!"
- Leonore Steyn, Maidenhall Primary School
"We would recommend highly Teaching Talons for a fun, engaging and informative Dinosaur Workshop. Our Year 3s loved handling the fossils and other amazing artefacts and were thrilled at being allowed to touch cockroaches, snails, tortoises and a bearded dragon."
- Templefield Lower School
"Thanks to Pigwidgeon and the team for an inspiring and enriching day. So lovely to see the students enjoying the wonders of the natural world!
- Highbury Grove School
"We had an exciting dinosaur workshop early last term and my class are still talking about it. They learnt so much through looking at the animals, observing the rocks and listening to the entertaining and informative presenters: Year 2 give Teaching Talons 5 stars and I strongly recommend you book for your class. It was a fantastic way to start a topic."
- Clare Elson, Roebuck Primary School
"Our students have taken a great deal from the experience.. It is fascinating watching the pupils participating in lessons that extend beyond the traditional curriculum.. Thank you for all your efforts and we look forward to working with you again soon"
- Sharnbrook Academy Federation middle schools
"Teaching Talons came into our Preschool, they kept 30 3 & 4 year olds totally focused on the animals and gave the children and staff lots of interesting facts. The children especially enjoyed the rats running along the tables and the owl flying. Would highly recommend."
- Sarah Miller, Round Green Pre-School
"Teaching talons came to our school when we were studying nocturnal animals. The kids loved it and so did the teachers. All had a great time and learnt a lot."
- Lynda Jones, Headlands Primary School
"Year 2 had a wonderful learning experience when Teaching Talons came to visit. We learnt how dinosurs became extinct and saw a wide range of fossils. After, we created fossil rubbings and made our own dionsaurs out of paper plates. We also met a wide range of animals including a large frog and owl. We were delighted with the learning the children showed."
- Roebuck primary school
"Year 1 enjoyed a visit from ‘Teaching Talons’. The children gained hands on experience with different animals and finding out about them. They also learned about carnivores, omnivores and herbivores. The children had a lovely time and the afternoon supported the work they are currently doing as part of their science topic this term."
- The Firs lower school
"We highly recommend Teaching Talons. They organised our school workshop very well. They timed each animal well and let the children stroke (or hold where appropriate) them while sat at perfectly arranged tables. The children had great fun and even the teachers learnt new facts about animals. Throughout the booking and actual experience, Becky and her team were efficient and friendly. A throughly enjoyable experience for any school!"
- Sarah Adams, Tudor Primary School
"We would like to thank you for an amazing mini-beast workshop, the children loved it!"
- Ana Elezi, Watling Lower School
"Thank you so much for the Creation workshops - the children loved them and the staff were also really impressed! It was just what we were hoping for to complement our RE Day. It was great that you were able to tailor the workshops to match our needs. Thanks again - we will definitely recommend you!"
-Sam Bishop, St Marys Academy
Parties
"I hired the Teaching Talons for my sons 6th birthday party at the weekend and they were brilliant. The ladies were great at keeping all the children focused by getting them hands on and asking them plenty of engaging questions. Some of the children were initially hesitant to hold or pet the animals but they managed to win a few of them around and allowed the adults to get involved too. The animals are clearly well cared for and I have had lots of compliments from parents saying how lovely and different this was. I will definitely be recommending you for future events."
- Corinne Eyvindsson
"..Thank you for making our daughters 5th birthday so special. She was so excited about all the animals and the whole event kept fifteen 5 years olds enthralled throughout. Both the children and parents enjoyed the hands on nature of the party and it was a hit with all!.."
- Neil
"..Thank you so much, it was over and above what we expected and Mac had a fantastic time.."
- Shona
"Lana had an absolutely amazing birthday and enjoyed all the animals that came along to help celebrate - including the human variety! Thank you TT for a fab presentation, all the children enjoyed it and I would definitely recommend you."
- Natalie
"Thank you so much for Rafi & Joshuas party. You were great and the kids loved it. Rafi was asked what was his best bit of his birthday and being a thinker, he thought a while and said 'the animals' He also loved his gift, that is such a nice touch!"
-Evelyne
"Excellent way for children to learn about different animals and to touch, feel and discover so many interesting things. A fun way to learn and such a different party for children to experience nature at its best. Superb birthday party!!"
- Julie
"I booked Teaching Talons for my daughter's 7th birthday and they did a fantastic job. The children were absolutely mesmerised by the animals and were delighted when the "party poopers" were true to form! Luckily, Teaching Talons were very well prepared for that! Becky and Russ were friendly, knowledgeable and all interactions were conducted with the welfare of the animals at heart. I would whole-heartedly recommend to anyone looking for something a bit different for their event."
- Natasha
"We booked teaching talons for my sons 5th birthday. Becky and Becca were fab, managed excellent crowd control with 14 children and I'm pretty sure the adults had just as much fun! Would highly recommend them for any occasion, and will definitely be booking again! Thank you for the best party!!!"
- Charli Fuller
"We were at a friends birthday party this morning and just wanted to say what a wonderful experience it was for all the children! Fantastic morning and the best childrens party we have been to."
- Kirsty Umney
"Hi Becky, Thanks again so much for the brilliant party today. The kids all loved it. Especially the pooping hedgehog! Jasper loves animal facts, and you supplied plenty of new ones. Will definitely recommend you to other families in the village."
- Anna Chipperfield
"Hello Becky, Thank you so much for doing a brilliant job today.. Callum and his friends loved the party. Will be recommending you and using you again. Thanks for his present too :)"
- Emma Green
Events and Fetes
"Dear Becky,
Just a quick note to thank you for taking part in the Henlow Family Fun Day. We were delighted with how successful the event was. You were definitely a major attraction and everyone was talking about your beautiful owl. He was a very handsome chap and I learned something new with the eye colour! Thank you again!"
- Lucie Flint, Secretary – Henlow Events
"We booked Teaching Talons for Mary Exton PTA Easter Eggstravaganza they were very friendly,informative and the children loved the animals, would definitely recommend."
- Sarah Daly, Mary Exton school PTA
"Teaching Talons provided a children's Halloween-inspired workshop during October's Half Term at the Rufus Centre. The session was brilliant and had the children amazed as they learnt new things about the animal world as well as got the chance to touch the animals."
- Steph James, Flitwick Town Council.
"Becky and her team attended our family fun day this weekend. The guests had a great time meeting the animals and I had nothing but compliments about how informed the team were. Everyone is hoping they'll be there next year too. Thank you to you and your team!"
- Hannah Phimister, Bedford Tigers Rugby Club
"Saw the Teaching Talons at Hadrian Academy fete. The two young girls where brilliant, knew all the questions you wanted to ask.
They let you see and hold the animals. My two children loved holding the owl. Definitely recommend!"
- Lisa McNevin, visitor to Hadrian Academy summer fete
"We visited the Eco Lodges in Clophill today for your April animal encounter and we must say how much our son loved the animals that he saw. The staff were amazing, really knew what they were talking about and happy to take the time in answering questions. Fantastic."
- Debbie Childs, Clophill Eco Lodges event visitor
"It was very nice to meet Becky today. She is so passionate and very motivated about what she does. Animal welfare was top notch and very loved animals. Answered all our questions and her knowledge was very impressive. Hope to see you again soon in the future. We would highly recommend!!"
-Ian White, Wycomb Pastures petting farm (who TT also highly recommend!)
Groups and Clubs
"Thank you so much for this evening, the girls thoroughly enjoyed it and when I saw the Rainbow leaders they said the same, so I was singing your praises!"
- Melanie and the Toddington Brownies
"Hi Becky,
I just wanted to thank you and Russ once again for the delightful afternoon we had on Friday at Westoning Village Hall. Everybody enjoyed it so much. Will definitely pass our lovely experiences on to anyone I think would be interested! Many thanks once again."
- Joyce Corlesss
"Hi Becky,
Thank you so much for this evening. The children absolutely loved it - a great start to our year.. Even the adults learned something new! Best wishes"
- Nigel Pollard- Ampthill Wildlife Watch group
"Thank you for a wonderful half term Halloween encounter. The children didn't stop talking about it all week!"
- Sarah Ward, Watling Forest Club
Care Home and Therapy Visits
"We have used Teaching Talons a few times now and would highly recommend them! They are knowledgeable, extremely interactive, and all the team are great with the children and animals. Very good value for money and we will definitely be booking in with them again!
- Emily Turnbull, Residential Worker, Foxgloves childrens home
"Thank you from Bedford Mencap Playscheme. We had an amazing time when you visited our children in the summer holidays. We loved handling and meeting all of the animals."
- Bedford Mencap
"I must say everyone thought you were amazing....the lovely different animals you brought along....and your presentation, obvious love of your work and caring attitude came through brilliantly. Everything was so much appreciated by both the residents, staff, and myself of course. Thank you!"
- Annette, Activities organiser, Cherry Tree House care home
"Stampede was so much fun thanks to Teaching Talons. The children enjoyed getting up close to the animals- even the party poopers!
- Bedford District Cerebral Palsy Society
"The service felt less like a rehabilitation centre and more like Noah’s Ark when residents were visited by Teaching Talons. Service users and staff were introduced to and were able to touch and hold giant cockroaches, a giant African land snail, lizards, rats, guinea pigs and hedgehogs. There was even an adorable performing dog that put on a show for the group. It was an interesting experience for everyone!"
- Thomas Edward Mitton House, The Disabilities Trust
"I just want to say a huge thank you to you're two wonderful girls, becky and becca. They were amazing and so professional- our residents sure had an afternoon to remember! What a difference they were to other animal companies we've used."
- Katie, Trefoil House Activities team
Owl Experiences
"A massive thanks for bringing your lovely owls to my mums this afternoon. She didn't have a clue what was going on and it was a wonderful surprise.. The visit was worth every penny just to see the smile on my mums face. Thanks again, you and the owls are brilliant."
"Would like to thank you guys again, mum was so happy really lifted her spirits.. my son also really enjoyed it thank you for letting him have a sneaky hold! He can't wait to tell all his friends and teachers!"
"Both of the owls were beautiful and I was overwhelmed when I got to hold them, such amazing creatures. Also the 2 speakers were lovely, they fitted into the event brilliantly and were incredibly knowledgeable, humorous and full of smiles. They.. were a real joy to listen to. I would recommend this experience to anyone with an interest or love for owls within a heart beat!!!"
Photography Workshops
"Had such a great time with Teaching Talons at a photography workshop. Very knowledgeable and willing to help in whatever way they can. Would recommend Becky and the guys to anyone wanting this kind of experience."
- Ian Ashley