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HMESG Weekend Away
Didn't we have a lovely time?
The last weekend of October 2005 saw 7 families descend upon Butlins at Skegness for a family weekend of Halloween fun and laughter.
The group was a varied bunch with ages ranging from 67 years (sorry Dad!) to 5 years and included both families and couples.
It also included HME sufferers as well as non-affected relatives and was a perfect opportunity to meet up with like-minded people
for a chat and mutual support. Indeed, for some, it was the chance to meet other people with HME for the very first time.
Whatever their circumstances, however, the main intention of everyone was to have a load of fun and, as one of the merry revellers,
I think I can safely say that this was well and truly achieved.
The site facilities were excellent, the entertainment varied and the whole weekend was fantastic fun.
I can honestly say there was not enough time to do everything my children wanted to but their favourite activities
were the swimming pool and funfair (George, 5) and the huge trampolines (Beth, 9).
Of course what really made it so special was the company - everyone was so friendly and it was a joy
to spend time with others who understand the challenges HME can pose to family
life. But don't take my word for it, here's what some of my fellow participants have to say about the experience.
I hope you enjoy their anecdotes and will feel inspired to try and join us in any future weekends away - I can highly recommend them!
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"Skegness was a great break! It was good to see some old faces as well as some new ones.
I was so surprised that within a few hours of meeting up with everyone we were like one big happy family.
We would arrange to do something at a particular time - like go swimming – and meet everyone there.
Some didn't swim so they sat on the balcony and watched us 'kids' go down slides while they had a good old chat.
We had a great time on the pool and got very wrinkly from being in it for hours – ha, ha.
At night-time we dressed up in Halloween costumes and had a laugh. The costumes were wicked and very creative –
Tony Spencer looked more like Elvis than Dracula but hey ho he still looked scary! We sat and had a drink or two,
with some members, not mentioning any names but you know who you are, having more than a few!
Meanwhile the kids had fun in the arcades.
As for golf the next day, Paul wasn't doing so well so decided to use his walking stick instead and as luck would have it,
it went straight into the hole. Good one Paul.
Thanks to everyone who came on the weekend, we hope we can do it again.
Best wishes"
Dawn and Paul Searle
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"I thought Skegness was cool. There was so much to do. I met all the HME people for the first time and made some new friends.
We didn't do all there was to do. I enjoyed the go-karts and Quasar the best. Mum, when can we go back?"
Ryan Spencer aged 7
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"I found Skegness a fantastic break and it was great to see some of my
friends that I've met through HME. The activities at the camp were good as they had different activities
for different age groups. The go karts and crazy golf were wicked as it was a group thing
we all did together so we could spend time with each other and talk about anything!
The Quasar (indoor laser shooting game) was really good fun as well and I think most people enjoyed
that – I know Adam and I did. I would certainly go again and would recommend this holiday to
anyone who didn't go last year. It was fantastic fun and I had an excellent
time."
Rob Searle aged 15
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"In the newsletter, Dawn Searle invited members to join her for a weekend at Butlins, Skegness.
We decided to take the plunge and book to join and her family for a Family Fun Weekend.
We (Glyn my partner, Adam my son and myself) left Manchester at about 10.30am and had a good
journey arriving at Butlins at about 3pm after a few stops – it wasn't my driving that took so long!
We booked into our accommodation and waited patiently for everyone to arrive.
Adam, 15, was getting a little worried when he had not heard from any of his friends who he had hoped
to meet but through the wonders of mobile phones he managed to contact some of his mates and arrange a meeting time for that evening.
The facilities on site were excellent with all sorts of activities for all ages. The swimming pool was one of the best
I have ever seen on these kinds of sites.
We all met up for a drink and chat on the Friday evening. The children went off and explored the
arcades and shows while the parents relaxed with a well-deserved drink or two!
On Saturday we all met up at the pool and went for a swim, followed by crazy golf – aptly
named as it nearly sent me round the bend. This was followed by a game of Quasar.
The children were thrashed but vowed revenge the next day.
We all met up again Saturday night for a meal, with some even brave enough to join in the theme of Pirates Night,
after which we moved to the bar and, even later still, to the theatre complex to watch the fantastic Beetlejuice show.
Sunday morning was again full of activities – go-karting, swimming and Quasar, which the adults won again!
We had to leave at this point as Adam was back to school on the Monday and Glyn and myself were unable to get any time off work.
Sadly we left the happy bunch and set off on our return journey having all had a great weekend.
Hope more of you can come next time and enjoy the fun."
The Grisenthwaite Family
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“I loved seeing all of you again and meeting up with the Mitchells and Spencers – you guys are so cool.
I loved the campsite and am looking forward to doing it again – I hope a lot more people come next time.”
Roxy Searle, 11
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Youth Section
Since the last newsletter, the youth members of the group have been what can only be described as
mostly chilling... that is, in between school work and having fun...
However we have managed to keep in touch with each other, via the Internet and emails,
which has been really great.
We had planned to take part in our first activity in January.
However I have been in and out of hospital waiting rooms, having scans, scans and more scans for impending surgery on my wrist,
so this has had to be delayed. Though not too long, as not wanting a small thing like exostoses to prevent us from getting on with life,
we are aiming to meet up at the end of February/ beginning of March.
So before the invitation of food and fun, hits your door, let me provide you with some of the details of our
YOUTH TRIP We will be meeting in LONDON, having some lunch in the fun packed city, and then making our way to
DEATH ROW RECORDS where we will have a studio/DJ-ing workshop, with more food and plenty of fun before returning home.
The cost has yet to be confirmed.
If this sounds like something you would like to have a go at, then drop me an email
c_hatltd@yahoo.co.uk.
I look forward to seeing you soon.
Bianca Todd
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Previous: Conference 2006
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