Tree climbing, crate stacking, zip wiring and S’mores
Members and their families gathered last Wednesday, 31st May at Blackwell Court Adventure for our annual ‘A Day to Remember’ event.
Set in 50 acres of beautiful parkland, Blackwell Court has been the home of our family adventure day for the past four years.
Blackwell Court Adventure is a non-profit organisation offering over 20 indoor and outdoor activities. Serving and retired officers, police staff and their families enjoyed a thrilling day of tree climbing, crate stacking, zip wiring, navigating the high-all-aboard and archery, followed by a campfire of toasted marshmallows, S, mores and ice-creams before the journey home.
The event is the brainchild of Benevolent Fund Chairman, John Williams who wanted to bring members together and give a little something back to those who subscribe monthly to our police charity.
Back in March, members were invited to express their interest by entering a ballot. Over 200 families got in touch to say they would like to attend. A total of 62 places were subsequently offered to members and the cost of the adventure day was paid for by the Fund.
“This year’s event was yet another resounding success,” commented John. “It is proving extremely popular with families and it was great to see them having so much fun together. It’s also nice the be able to chat to members and explain our charity work, as well as reminding them of their many membership benefits”
It was an early start on the day, which included a ‘meet and greet’ from the Ben Fund’s General Manager, Steve Newbury, followed by a short safety briefing by the Blackwell staff.
Then it was straight into the day’s activities which included; crate stacking, archery, two zip wire challenges, tree climbing and the High All Aboard.
PD 5306 Hawkins joined the Ben Fund Team to meet families at the event and it was fair to say she received a lot of fuss and attention. Someone else receiving lots of attention was Steve’s granddaughter, 12-week-old Florence, who was our youngest ever attendee.
We received lots of lovely feedback from the families who attended.
“I think it was one of the best experiences of my life!!! My favourite thing was the crate stacking but I enjoyed the zip wire too. Thanks”
“What a fantastic day thank you. Wonderful experience, great fun, quality family time! Huge thanks to all for arranging.”
“This was our first event at Blackwell Fun Day. The host event was amazing with staff, facilities, and team work. This is a great opportunity for the Benevolent Fund to reward members. We live in a culture of work, coupled with stress and this one day is a relief/an escape from that environment. Great idea even if it’s for one day.”
“Wonderful day with wonderful people. We are so very lucky to be part of it. Thank you”
“An amazing day out with the family. Great memories to cherish and good friends made along the way. Thank you”
“We had a really lovely day. Very well organised. Such a lovely way of getting to know other colleagues and understand what the Benevolent Fund offer. Many thanks”
“The event would not have been possible without the tremendous efforts of so many people,” added John Williams.
“Thanks to the staff at Blackwell Adventure for providing a great programme of activities. A massive thank you to the Ben Fund Team, Nicki and Steve for all their hard work and to our Operations Committee members, Kay Bargewell and Sue Cleeton for their amazing efforts on the day, along with serving office Charlie.
Finally, thank you to all the families for joining in, being great sports and for making the day a wonderful success.”
We are pleased to announce that we will be doing it all over again next year. Further details about the event will be available in the new year on our website and emailed to members.
Don’t forget we will be hosting our second ‘A Day to Remember’ event on 30th August at Aztec Adventure Water Park.
Aztec Adventure Water Park
Wednesday 30 August 2023 – OPENING SOON FOR ENTRIES
Following the ever-popular family event at Blackwell, we will be hosting our second family day for 2023, this time members and their families can enjoy a summer’s evening at Aztec Adventure Aqua Park on Wednesday 30 August 2023.
Families will be able to test their agility as they take on the challenges of the giant floating assault course, followed by an hour on the lake kayaking and paddle boarding.
We received some lovely feedback about the evening event last year and hope families will have a great time again this year.
Please note: Activities are suitable for children aged 6 and over. Participants must be over 122cm tall for safety reasons.
To register your interest for the FREE family water park event please visit https://wmpben.co.uk/our-benefits/family-events/
If the response from members is high, we will run a ballot to select which lucky families will be taking part. Notification will be sent out to those successful along with information explaining further details about the day.
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