PGL OSMINGTON BAY 2023
The PGL Osmington Activity weekend has always been one of our most costly events, hence that is why is usually biannual. It started out with the children and young people attending on their own without parents or siblings and it was a great disappointment that these weekends came to an end as we would need to be Ofsted registered to take the children away without parent/carers. We then asked if we could have a family weekend where the parents are responsible for their children and PGL said yes.
This is our seventh visit to PGL Osmington and our third family weekend. Unfortunately there has been a 5 year gap since our last visit as we were due to go in 2020 but it had to be cancelled because of COVID. Then this weekend was in doubt when we found out that Osmington was not doing family weekends anymore just school, brownies etc. and club groups. The centres that did have families were not feasible for us due to travelling time to the centres. So we then asked PGL if all our parents are DBS checked could we attend and they said yes! It was a bit of a daunting challenge to get done but we did it. Big shout out and thank you to Katie Bray our Safeguarding Officer for the work in getting this done!
So on Friday 14th July 2023 fifty four members travelled to PGL for a fun packed weekend!
The weather on Friday was dreadful, torrential rain most of the day but luckily by the time families arrived late afternoon it stopped raining (although Shirley did get pretty soaked during the day setting up for the weekend) We all met Isabella our PGL ‘Buddy’ who would be with us for the weekend and once everyone had moved into their rooms we had a quick fire drill and then into the evening meal. Everyone then went back to the Beach House for the evening entertainment of Balloon Splash, which comprises of team challenges and races to earn equipment to build a carrier to protect a water balloon. This was a great ice breaker and loads of fun. Especially the lost shoes!
Saturday morning and everyone was up early ready for the great breakfast which set everyone up for the day’s activities. Our group was split into five activity groups and over the weekend they took part in Climbing, Zip Wire, Giant Swing, Abseiling, Aeroball, Archery and Buggy Building. The weather was not ideal as it was extremely windy and being on the cliff tops for the activities was a challenge but everyone carried on and had a great time. It was great to see everyone working together and some overcoming and conquering fears but most of all having fun! After the evening meal it was then time for the evening entertainment ‘Passport to the World’. The children were put into teams by Isabella and had great fun running all over the site to answer questions; goodness knows where they got the energy from as it was very competitive and fast! Parents relaxed by the accommodation and some very brave ones joined in the game. Afterwards we adjourned to the bar and the children played pool, darts and played football in the activity hall. Everyone eventually went to bed to get some sleep ready for the next day.
Waking up on Sunday morning the weather was not as windy as the day before and after a great breakfast it was time for the activities. The timetable over the two days allowed for every activity group to do all seven activities. At the end of the day it was time for a quick get together in the Beach House for everyone to say goodbye, have the evening meal and return some very tired children/young people (and parents) home!
This weekend again exceeded all expectations and more! To see all the children making friends and having so much fun and the parents making friends and really enjoying themselves as a family and getting the chance to bond with other families was brilliant. Some parents came on their own with their hearing impaired child and were anxious about how it would be, but were soon at ease and making friends.
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It was a very special weekend!
We asked families to complete a Feedback questionnaire:
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15 rated the DDCS pre-organisation of the weekend Excellent.
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14 rated the PGL Centre, Staff and Activities Excellent, 1 rated it Good.
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15 rated the over-all DDCS management of the weekend excellent.
These are some of the comments from the children and families:
We have had the best time. Lovely bonding with my son that was amazing making memories. Made new friends that I would never make at other events, such good networking on a weekend event. Food great, plenty of choice. Activities superb for children and adults.
Great visit – loved having the chance to meet other deaf children and parents of deaf children. It’s always really lovely to connect with other families and create a great community. Kids all had a great time and nice for the adults to be fund and act like kids too. Organisation of this year’s event immaculate. Thanks Shirley – great job!
All of the instructors were really nice. I also faced some fears and made friends.
A big thank you to Shirley and team who organised the weekend it has been wonderful. Thank you from us all.
An absolutely amazing, action packed weekend – Thank you so much!
What an amazing weekend! My son and I had the best time! We loved it. Thanks to DDCS. We will come back with my daughter next time. My son made loads of friends and we don’t want to leave. You do amazing – we love you!!!!!
Thank you everybody for a great weekend, we had a fantastic 1st time at PGL, thanks for being so welcoming. A massive shout out to Shirley for organising such a great weekend and for all that you do for DDCS, we appreciate all so much. Thank you.
All of the staff were fantastic and Isabella is absolutely amazing, she is super friendly and I would give her promotion. All of the staff were fantastic and the activities were very very good.
Thank you Shirley and DDCS for a wonderful weekend, we have had a fantastic time and lovely meeting everyone and watching the chlidren playing, thank you.
Thank you for organising it all! It was such a special weekend, we loved every minute of it.
Brilliant fun and well organised. Amazing, get people outdoors. I made new friends.
Thank you so much everyone, it's been the best weekend. Lovely memories made, new friends and so lovely for the kids to play, try new activities and build confidence in such an amazing setting! Shirley thank you for what you do for us all. It's such an amazing charity that supports us all.
It was amazing and very well organised. We enjoyed it very much and hope to come back! Thank you!
Fun weekend. Very well organised. Great idea with the WhatsApp group.
Such a great oportunity to check in with each other and spend time doing fun things with the kids. I got to act like a kid too at times, which I think is important for us grown ups. Good bonding time for the kids and experiences they won't forget. Such a valuable few days. Thanks Shirley and all the trustees that help put these events together.
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