Giving families a break

October 2016

Whether with your group or your family, we all know how important a holiday can be. For some it is something they hear about but don’t experience. So for the third year running we have taken a group of families from Peckham on a 6 day summer holiday to enjoy what we hope is the experience of a lifetime. This year we took 39 children and 18 adults to Devon. Last year 51 travelled to Northumbria and in 2014 it was 37 to Norfolk. We cover the cost of everything including that all important seaside ice cream!

For some, this is the first time they have ever been on holiday or even outside of London. Each year, the excitement as they board the coach for their holiday is matched only by the smiles and chatter as they return to tell tales of sun, sea and adventure!

It was 3 years ago that Michael was first approached by his local priest, Father Jack, to see if we could do something to help with a holiday for some of his parishioners. Now Father Jack is fairly formidable and has a habit of ‘getting things done’! For us it was a way of using some of our know how to make a real difference to the lives of local families. So just 2 months later, the coach was setting off from Peckham headed for Norfolk.

The families have had fantastic days out at such varied places as the Queen’s estate at Sandringham to the award winning forest of family fun and outdoor adventure at BeWILDerwood; a boat trip to Farne Island to the High Ropes Course in the treetops of an ancient woodland at Beamish Wild; the beach in Teignmouth to thrill seeking rides such as the Devil’s Drop at Splashdown Waterpark Quaywest.

The kids (and, just as importantly, their parents) seem to have a great time! Click here to read some of their lovely words of thanks from the most recent holiday to Devon.

And a final word from Father Jack:

“Just to say a very sincere thank you to all of you. I had some very excited parishioners here in church on Sunday. They really enjoyed the trip and the experience. For many it was the first time on holiday and for many also it was the first time on an organised trip and being taken care of so well. Special thanks to Steven and the driver. I don't know how to say thanks. May I suggest an early evening (after work) drink and slice of pizza in La Lanterna across the road for all the staff compliments of your truly.  Thanks again.”