A wonderful time was had in Windermere at the Windermere Manor hotel on the weekend of 12–14th August. The Hotel was very kindly funded once again by the Primary Club, and the activities were funded by Children in Need.
24 vision impaired and their siblings with 26 adults came to the Lake District for a weekend.
A great time was had by everyone, with a hot meal on arrival and a swim in the indoor pool followed by an evening of getting to other know other families from all over the North East.
Useful Vision organised two different activities on Saturday morning: a trip to Bowness on Windermere to the Beatrix Potter museum, where the families met Beatrix Potter who told stories and guided the families around the exhibition which the children were allowed to touch, meeting Pigling Bland, Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddleduck and many more well known characters. They enjoyed a tour around Mr. Macgregor’s garden before finishing off with a packed lunch in the beautifully themed Beatrix Potter Room.
The other group were treated to a dip in Lake Windermere. Togged up in wet suits, this group of families all got to try kayaking in two-man kayaks with races and games. Despite the not particularly warm weather, everyone soon forgot the cold and had a real laugh. There were a few thrills and spills but a hot chocolate in the café afterwards warmed us up.
Saturday night we had an indoor BBQ and disco and the families all relaxed in the lovely surroundings of the hotel.
Sunday was a free day, with the families who came by bus being offered a morning in Grasmere. However people power took over and they all went to Kendal and had a lovely morning browsing around the town.
Thank you to Nicola Brown and Elaine Kohlak, our UV volunteers, who helped with the weekend, and also the staff at the Windermere Manor Hotel who are always attentive, efficient and kind.
Some comments from people who attended:
"Useful Vision is the only organisation where (my child)… gets included in all the activities"
"First holiday in years - thank you";
"Right place, right length of time - 10/10!"
"A fabulous break – thank you"
What could have made it better? "A longer stay!"
....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
Windermere Weekend full of fun and entertainment for all the family
