15 current pupils and 60 former pupils formed an 80 strong volunteer group to run this year’s Olympic themed Oundle MENCAP holiday at Oundle School which celebrated its 30th year.
Children and volunteers encountered the usual days out to Hunstanton, Twin Lakes and nearby Wicksteed Park in addition to enjoying Opening and Closing ceremonies, flag and medal making, Olympic Games on the School’s sports pitches and much more Olympic 2012 related fun.
To mark the 30th anniversary Oundle MENCAP was honoured to be visited this year by both the National and Regional Chairmen of the Royal Mencap Society. After their visit they sent the following email to holiday leader, Eddie Dove:
We would like to offer our congratulations and best wishes to the entire team at Oundle School Mencap Holidays. Last night we were inspired and we were humbled. We were inspired by the natural empathic and thoughtful way your team supported the children, and your attention to planning and detail that allowed this to happen. We were humbled that you did this as part of Mencap and that you clearly demonstrated what our organisation represents. You didn't just do a good job, you absolutely nailed it!!!You recharged our batteries and showed us how good things can be, and for that we all offer our grateful thanks. Again, congratulations, well done, and our very best wished for the future.
Over the last year we have expanded and have re-branded ourselves Oundle School Mencap Holidays. In June of this year the first ‘Mencap Outdoors’ holiday took place lead by Kate Taylor (OSMH holiday leader).
The holiday caters for young adults from 18-25 years who have previously enjoyed the summer holiday as children. They camped for 4 nights in Wadenhoe and the volunteers were once again drawn from almost entirely the OO community, many of whom already volunteer for the summer holiday.
Upper Sixth Form pupil, Archie Troughton (17) commented, “MENCAP was nothing like I had expected; it exceeded expectation hugely. The kids who came on the holiday were like no one I had encountered before, and were so special they will stay with me for the rest of my life. I learnt a huge amount from the holiday, from caring for incontinent kids, to being responsible for someone 24/7; it was huge fun, massively rewarding and entirely memorable.”
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. As a group the current pupils were a real credit to the School devoting their time and immense energy to a highly successful week. Without the support of the Oundle School community we would struggle to survive and we greatly acknowledge their assistance in helping to support this wonderful cause. “