JollyDays Supported Holidays: Bendrigg with Derek & Myra

Bendrigg (Lake District) – May 2011 with Derek & Myra

Well, what a wonderful week we had in a glorious setting! The weather improved for us and we enjoyed the full beauty of the Lakes and the surrounding scenery.
We arrived around lunch time at Bendrigg and were met by Liz and Andy, our instructors and companions for the duration. After lunch and unpacking, they showed us the grounds and went through the safety procedures. We explored our new home and went indoor caving just to get us used to tight and dark situations before relaxing ahead of an early dinner.
It had been decided that as we were so enthusiastic we would go caving in the evening. We got into our waterproofs and then Liz drove us to Yordas. We put on our helmets with torches on and set off into Yordas. It was a magnificent cave with an underground waterfall, which was too much fun for Pippa to miss the chance of getting under and coming out soaked. Michael also managed to get two booties! We all were given candles and turned off our head torches giving us a feel of what would have been the only light before electricity. Then we all blew out the candles to stand in complete darkness. This was Michael’s scary moment, but he coped with support and conquered his fear. It was a good experience shared. More activities were ahead tomorrow.
Liz, Andy and Steve loaded up the Canadian canoes and drove us all to Lake Windermere. Here we lashed up three canoes and paddled off for the day. It was all about team work and we managed to paddle a long way before stopping for a little piece of history and folklore told to us by Steve. Taking up our paddles again, we set off for our secret island for a picnic lunch. On our way back along the lake we stopped off for an ice cream that was dipped in chocolate.....yummee. Back we went to Bendrigg for dinner and then went off to a local pub for the evening. We also had a round of mini golf.
The next day we took to the indoor climbing wall and abseiling ramp where everyone practised ahead of the afternoon’s fun at the quarry. It was a great experience and typically Kim came up with, her now famous saying, “I’m not scared, I’m brave”. Tom took up the challenge of abseiling down the quarry first and set off on his 90 ft trip down the rock face. Everyone did exceptionally well, as expected! Later that day we did some archery and took turns at hitting the targets with balloons on. We split into teams and Derek’s team won by a country mile.....well done Kim & Pippa.
Thursday was another glorious day as we set off for our mountain climb. Liz drove us to Hallin Fell and showed us the way up the mountain. We took our time with many stops along the way for a rest. It was a fabulous feeling upon reaching the summit. What a fantastic view over Ullswater. It must be some of the most beautiful scenery in the world!! After our picnic we set back down and drove off to Ambleside where we shopped and had a coffee and ice cream. That evening we zip wired and had a cinema night in the sensory room. Derek and Michael managed to fall asleep before the end of the film....not unusual at all!!
Friday came and we had a debrief from Liz where she also presented us all with certificates with special commendation. Well done team!!
Liz never did have to use her sharp stick as everyone pulled together.....however, we know she would have used it if required!!!!!!!!!!
Our thanks go especially to Liz for being such a great leader and also to Andy during his next 5 weeks of voluntary work. Thanks too to Steve for his support and stories.
A great big thanks go to our team members, who all did so well, overcoming fears and just doing things that they probably never imagined doing before going to Bendrigg.

Derek & Myra

A certified bunch!