with huge thanks to The Primary Club and to The Joicey Trust who helped to sponsor our first Useful Vision holiday weekend.
19 families joined the Useful Vision volunteers for a weekend of sunshine and fun in Windermere from Friday 6th to Sunday 8th August.
We stayed at The Windermere Manor Hotel whose staff put on a wonderful spread of food on our arrival on Friday, followed by an introduction to the hotel and surroundings.
After breakfast on Saturday the familes were able to choose whether they went Kayaking on Lake Windermere or visited the Beatrix Potter Experience at Bowness.
Below are some pictures of the group who visited the Beatrix Potter Experience which included storytelling with "Beatrix Potter" and a visit to Mr McGregor's garden plus meeting the characters from the famous books.
"....a huge thank you ......for the brilliant weekend we had! Both me, my fiance and our 2 kids thoroughly enjoyed the holiday! The Beatrix Potter experience was magical too, a lovely touch to allow the children to feel the exhibits! So once again thank you and a big pat on the back to you and your other volunteers who made the weekend a fantastic time from start to finish!"
And some pictures from the kayaking on Lake Windermere.
After the activities we enjoyed a great BBQ back at the hotel followed by a disco.
On Sunday morning we enjoyed the facilities at the hotel including the swimming pool, before eating a wonderful Sunday Lunch. After lunch everybody headed home in cars and minibuses very tired but very happy.
"Thank you so much for the lovely weekend we had in the lakes. It was so relaxing (That's not a word I've used for a long time) as we were not on edge or feeling anxious about other people, as all the families were similar to ours. First time ever that our daughter wanted to stay longer.... thanks so much" - The M Family
"Dear All, I am writing to say thank you for the lovely weekend we spent in Windermere. We all enjoyed our time spent there. The hotel was beautiful as were the surroundings" - The W Family
"We really enjoyed the weekend @ Windermere Manor - Thank you" - The H Family
"The weekend..... was a welcome little oasis in this very busy life we lead, sometimes you just need a little tranquility" - The H Family
Useful Vision would like to say a huge thank you to Joanne, Abby, Megan and Steven for all of their help over the weekend and also to all of the Windermere Manor Hotel staff, staff at Windermere Lake and at The Beatrix Potter Experience for helping us to have such a wonderful time.
A big thank you once again to The Joicey Trust and to The Primary Club for making this weekend possible.
....Volunteers play a vital role in the running of Useful Vision. Their involvement helps us to reduce running costs and ensures that most of the funds we raise go on activities and events for our children, young people and families.
Volunteers are needed to help at activities, events and classes during weekends and school holidays. Voluteering with Useful Vision is not a huge commitment and it can be a very rewarding experience. All we ask is your time for 2 or 3 activities a year. For this we offer training and support to volunteer, as well as out of pocket expenses.
If you would like to know more about becoming a Useful Vision volunteer. Please contact Susan Cullingworth on 0845 604 8491 or email susanc@usefulvision.org.uk
A wonderful time had by all at Windermere....
