Holiday at Home Sholing

Holiday at Home Sholing

A stranger walking into St Mary’s church in Sholing on a hot day in July 2019 would have been very surprised by what they encountered! Instead of a quiet, empty, traditionally furnished parish church, they would have walked into a building full of people, colour, music, activity, noise and laughter. They would have been justified in thinking they had stumbled upon a bustling African village!
Sholing’s Holiday at Home was a resounding success. Over two days, more than 80 older people, their carers and relatives, spent two days experiencing Africa in the form of a safari in a specially made Jeep, spotting animals in their natural habit, and through traditional authentic African food and drink, music, dance, “chairobics”, talks by people who had visited Africa, and crafts to dabble in. For those who might have wanted a quieter time, there were puzzles and knitting to do, a quiz, postcards to send, a pampering area where they could have a manicure and polish, and literature to read. There was also a beautiful heart-warming performance of singing by the local toddler group, and later on, an African singing group.
The church was full to bursting, a haphazard blaze of cheerful colour. Our stranger could not fail to have been carried along by it all and would surely have left feeling uplifted!
In fact, the enjoyment and love experienced by those who came along, both guests and helpers, was plain to see. One guest from a local day centre remarked “Let’s hope the minibus breaks down on the way to get us so we don’t have to go home!”

Here’s to another holiday next year!

Wednesday June 24th and Thursday June 25th 2020. SAVE THE DATE!

Add Your Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *