Holiday centre leaders thank generous businesses

Leaders at Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre have thanked local businesses – including a number of Marketing Derby Bondholders – for helping give hundreds of deserving children a holiday by the sea this year.

The centre, in Skegness, closed its doors for the season at the end of last month having given 360 children from the county a five-day seaside stay this year.

The centre is open from March to October each year, and children are nominated to stay there if they come from households in Derbyshire where they may not otherwise get a break, for financial hardship or other reasons.

Children who come to the holiday centre each year are given exciting days out including trips to the sea – which some have never seen before – a day out at the swimming baths, trips to Butlins and Fantasy Island and the local cinema.

The centre itself is kitted out with a games room and lots of toys for children to enjoy.

The children also sit down for regular meals to talk about their day, and sleep in specially themed bedrooms.

Centre manager Ali Byerley said: “We’ve had lots of fun, lots of laughter this year. You can certainly still see that there is a need for the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre.

“We’ve kitted some children out with new clothes and shoes. I’ve taken some for haircuts and to the dentist.

“With the cost of living our food budget has gone up enormously – food has really got seriously expensive. I have also noticed some of them in the morning will maybe eat four or five bowls of cereal.

“My main aim when children get to me is that they know this is their holiday. My team and I try to maintain that sense of wonderment week after week.”

Charity chairman Alan Grimadell said: “It’s been another wonderful year for us at the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre.

“It’s great to think that we have put smiles on the faces of another 360 children this year and we’re so grateful to everyone who helps make that happen, from our tireless group of volunteers to our staff members to all the generous people who donate to our charity.

“Many people involved with our charity went themselves as children.

“Their happy memories make them want to keep on helping us today. We so appreciate businesses which are so generous with their support.

“Our charity’s purpose has not changed since it first started 132 years ago.

“We are here to provide seaside stays to children who may not otherwise get a holiday.

“In one way it is sad that need still remains but for as long as it does, we hope the holiday centre will still be there to fulfil it.”

To find out more about the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre and how you can support it, visit http://www.dchc.org.uk .