This year, we decided to try something different by offering families the chance to have a meal together, and an overnight stay. And so it was that instead of a school setting, we chose the Barcelo Hotel at Daventry as the venue for our most recent gathering. And, in my view, it turned out to be an excellent choice, with comfortable rooms, good food, helpful staff, a pool and gym.
Saturday morning kicked off with families arriving to refreshments and activities for the youngsters, including Wii games, a colouring competition, and a Punch and Judy show. When everyone had settled in, it was time for the AGM, where the chair and treasurer presented their annual reports, and the committee for the forthcoming twelve months was elected. The Annual Prize Draw was made (see separate news item for results)and then there was chance for families to chat, browse the merchandise, try their luck on the tombola or enter the guessing competitions on offer, while siblings could take part in the Siblings Workshop. Following the excellent lunch, we then came to the highlight of the afternoon - the RTS has Talent show. Our very own Scott and Stewart provided the music, and warmed us up with a couple of songs, by which time the next act, a duo complete with costumes, was raring to give us their rendition of songs from Grease. We had songs, dance, jokes, and by the end, young people who had never before done anything in front of an audience this size were getting up and performing ! The show culminated in most of the youngsters out front playing in a percussion band. It was fantastic to see how confident the performers were, and the audience went wild, so I think we can safely say it was a big success.
The afternoon's events now drawing to a close, the raffle draw was made, and competition winners announced. Everyone drifted off to do their own thing, before meeting up again in the dining room for the evening meal, and in the bar afterwards (at least, those not completely tired out by their very full day !)
We've had lots of positive feedback from members, so it seems the format was successful, and one we may well look to repeat, funds permitting, in the future.
|
