Dear Go Beyond Supporter,
Spring is very definitely in the air. Crocuses are coming out and in some sheltered spots, the daffodils are starting to appear. It always feels like an optimistic time, a time to look forward to the year ahead.
This is the 30th year our charity has provided breaks for children, first in Devon and now from across the country. Of course, Covid is still with us and still causing some problems, but the numbers of children are steadily building. We’re getting fewer last-minute cancellations because a child, or someone in their home, has the virus. It makes us sad to think children have missed out and we will always try to re-book, but it can be quite some time before we have another slot.
I think 2022 will be a good year for us. We have provisional bookings throughout our summer holiday weeks and a good number of weeks are already earmarked for children – some will be travelling from inner city London all the way to the Peaks or Cornwall. Others will travel just a short distance but still they will find themselves in a totally new environment, with new friends and new opportunities.
It has been wonderful to see children playing in the snow on our winter breaks, enjoying cooked meals and warming hot chocolate. They’ve even been wrapped up in blankets in our barns for night-time outdoor cinema screenings of our favourite films. Bingo has been a big hit too! But as we look towards Spring, we can do more outdoors – we’ll be planting our seeds ready for our food crops, doing more paddling in streams and maybe needing fewer layers of clothes for our trips to the beach!
A few months ago, we started advertising our cottage in the Peak District for weekend self-catering breaks on Airbnb and we’ve identified some weekends when we can let people hire the bigger buildings too. We’ve been pleased to see the number of bookings gradually rise. It’s that time of year when people start to plan their holidays and time with family and friends – we’ve already had a couple of enquiries for Christmas and wedding parties. This is an important source of income that will help pay for breaks for children. If you or anyone you know might be interested, you can find information here:
And of course, we are always grateful for your help and support. Like all charities, we’ve had a difficult couple of years but we’re bouncing back. We have a proud 30 year history on which to build. We know what works and we’re using that experience, coupled with our passion for the environment, to plan for the next 30 years.
Let us not forget that while there is a hint of warmer weather, it’s still chilly, especially at night. We know our children live in households that will be struggling to afford the bills. With heating costs set to rise to unthinkable levels, let’s hope Spring comes early and they can feel the warmth. Certainly, those coming on breaks with us will be warm and well fed, with plenty of games to play, and if they need warm clothes and wellies, we keep plenty in store for those who turn up with very little (and there are always some that do!)
Please help us put a little sunshine in children’s lives. Read more about our Sunshine appeal here
With warmest wishes
Michele Farmer, CEO
