Festive Weekend
Diversions Festive Weekend
Feedback from our families prior to this event was that they wanted to spend longer with people getting to know each other. Meeting up for the day was great but it was all over too quickly. With this in mind we started considering the possibility of organising our very first weekend away. Obviously the cost was a huge issue so thanks to many people's efforts with fundraising, we were able to offer our members a 2 night festive weekend break, at a subsidised rate, in the family friendly Dalmeny Hotel, Lytham-St-Ann's in November 2011.
- FRIDAY 18th NOV 2011:
13 families joined us for the weekend and according to feedback, they all had a great time. The plan was to keep things very informal so on arrival some hit the pool whilst others sat and chatted in the lounge area, conveniently located overlooking the pool.
A child's quote; 'Mummy I love you'. Why? Asks her Mum. 'Thank you for bringing me to this weekend'.
The hotel arranged a delicious buffet which was held in our own private function room on the Friday evening, allowing existing families a chance to catch up and play games and giving new families a nice introduction to the group. The most popular activity of the evening was most definitely the glitter tattoos, especially with the Mum's!!
- SATURDAY 19th NOV 2011:
After a hearty cooked breakfast, along where the lighter continental option, Saturday morning was left free for families to do whatever they chose. Some went in to Blackpool shopping whilst others had a lazy morning making the most of the hotel's facilities. Jen kindly organised a trip to the local cinema (which was really cheap which was a bonus). Some people watched the new Twilight film whilst others with the younger kids got into the festive spirit watching Arthur Christmas.
Saturday afternoon was set aside for anyone wanting to make a splash in the pool. It was great seeing adults and youngsters alike having fun on the floats. Many who previously had been nervous of the thought of going swimming with a bag, or conscious of hiding their scars where suddenly put at ease in an environment where no body cared. Everyone was in good company and the boast of self confidence in many was a joy to see. Later that day, families enjoyed a festive carvery with crackers and hats. The evening entertainment was a family cabaret (say no more) followed by games and a disco.
Child's Quote: 'I have had loads of fun in the swimming pool'.
- SUNDAY 20th NOV 2011
Sunday was time to say our goodbyes but after another scrumptious breakfast it became apparent that many families were in no rush to leave. Some of the kids dragged their parents in to the pool again whilst others braved the cold weather to do a spot of kite flying on the beach. Following a leisurely lunch in the hotel, the remaining families said their goods vowing to repeat the event next year.
New Family - Quote: 'Great to meet everyone. The kids had a great time and so did we'.
Sibling's Quote: 'My weekend was great'......PS do this again!!
Parents quote: 'Kids had a great time with no worries and in a relaxed atmosphere'.
It’s evident the weekend was a huge success!!
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