Much-loved holiday centre hit by soaring costs

Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre has reported it has been hit by soaring energy bills and soaring inflation – resulting in weekly costs rising by £1,000 a week.

The charity, which provides free holidays to Derbyshire children in need of a break, is due to open the doors of its Skegness centre again later this month.

But according to the organisation, its running costs have soared compared to only two or three years ago – and now it is reminding generous donors and fundraisers to keep it in their thoughts.

Paul Duffin has been finance officer for the holiday centre, which provides five-day stays for youngsters who might not otherwise get a break, for the past 43 years.

He said: “Somehow every year we raise enough money to run our charity, and we do have to raise the lot ourselves.

“Over a three-year period, costs have gone up in the order of £50,000, which is around another £1,000 a week we need to raise.”

The Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre has been going since 1891 and still fulfils the same purpose it did when it started: to give children experiencing struggles in life a holiday by the sea.

Children are nominated to go to the centre via their school, and primaries across Derby and Derbyshire regularly send pupils to enjoy a week there, between the months of March and October.

The centre also opens again for a special festive week at Christmas time.

Paul said that many organisations had been extremely generous to the charity over the years, with Skegness businesses often stepping in to offer children days and meals out, along with Derbyshire organisations working at the centre free of charge.

Paul said: “If you wind the clock back 10 or 15 years, we had a long period of very little inflation.

“Three years ago, we suddenly got inflation back, and our current costs reflect that.

“We are affected as much as anyone by rising heating bills, rates, food bills and wages.

“This charity is something I believe in. I sometimes get over to Skegness and get to see the children there. Seeing their smiles and feedback is wonderful.

“We have over the years had some remarkably touching letters, including several from people in their 30s who have reflected back on their time there and said what a difference it made to their lives.”

Anyone who would like to donate, volunteer, or get involved with the holiday centre should visit http://www.dchc.org.uk .