29th Oundle MENCAP Holiday

  • 13 years ago
  • News
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17 current pupils and 60 former pupils formed an 80 strong volunteer group to run this year’s Oundle MENCAP holiday at Oundle School.


The theme of the holiday was ‘Fiesta’ and activities were focused to suit this theme. These included a Spanish night, fortune telling, coconut shy, Morris and Maypole dancing at Barnwell Country Park, castanets and maracas making, piñata, carnival costumes and a masquerade ball.

In addition to the usual trips to Hunstanton, Twin Lakes (Melton Mowbray) and Wicksteed Park, this year the older children were taken on a mini-camping expedition to the countryside surrounding Wadenhoe. The children pitched their own tents, went on a treasure hunt, lit a camp fire, cooked their supper and sang songs around the fire returning to Oundle later in the evening.

Music Teacher, MENCAP Trustee and volunteer coordinator, Sarah Ratchford commented, “New recruits took to their roles quickly and energetically; accepting their responsibility in ensuring the safety of each of the visiting children. As ever it was good for them to witness the commitment of many of our former pupil volunteers, some of whom had relinquished annual leave to attend. Such is the strength of their tenacity that four of our senior helpers managed to skilfully fit in their weddings around the holiday this summer and one pair even got engaged during sing-song in keeping with the ‘fiesta’ spirit!”

Upper Sixth Form pupil, Frankie Wilson-Morkeh commented, “It was my first year volunteering at MENCAP and on the first day I was extremely excited whilst being admittedly quite anxious! I was told by many that it was going to be the best week of my life, although did not quite believe it. However, after my time volunteering at the holiday I can honestly say that it truly was. It is an extremely tiring yet incredibly rewarding holiday which went beyond expectations. And just to see the children genuinely enjoying themselves in, for what was for some of them their (and their parents') only opportunity to have a holiday, was truly touching.”

Upper Sixth Form pupil, Stephanie Robinson, added, “MENCAP was an amazing week. Everyone there was so energetic and vibrant that I think that all the helpers had just as much fun as the kids. It settled some misconceptions I had about learning disabilities and improved my communication and leadership skill.”


Sarah added, “We are extremely grateful to the Bursary and Lettings team at Oundle School who as always ensured that our holiday ran smoothly and with the full support of the School’s services.”

One parent fed back, “Thanks again for a brilliant holiday for our daughter. As well as making her really happy (before, during and after) it seems to accelerate her development: as time goes by, she has a lot less head-banging and thrashing about. Particular thanks to Immy and Amy for looking after her during the night, and being flexible to try different sleeping arrangements for Adeline, and for giving her tasty breakfasts; we're delighted that they got on so well with Adeline.”

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