The long-running Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre charity is celebrating a milestone birthday this year with two big events: a unique cathedral service and a luxury afternoon tea party in the beautiful grounds of Repton School.
Now former guests are being invited to get in touch to help make it an anniversary year to remember.
The charity, which has been providing holidays at its Skegness centre for disadvantaged children since 1891, is marking its 135th anniversary in 2026.
To celebrate, it is hosting a service at Derby Cathedral on June 13 which will feature puppetry, music, drama and plenty of memories.
Two weeks later, on June 28, the charity is hosting a luxury afternoon tea in the grounds of Repton School which will feature entertainment and more stories of the centre from over the decades, plus a fundraising auction and the opportunity to network.
The cathedral service is being staged in collaboration with Derby Theatre and the charity is inviting as many former centre guests as possible to come and share their memories at what promises to be a powerfully emotional celebration.
It will also feature a specially made video featuring interviews with past guests of the centre who will share their happiest memories of their Skegness holiday and the impact that just one week away has had on their life.
Charity CEO Janine Holmes said: “Since 1891 our charity has been providing seaside holidays for children who really need them. There are thousands of young people who have walked through our doors during that time, creating generations of memories that make up our charity’s history.
“As a charity we are blessed to have a rich heritage to celebrate. At both our special birthday events we hope to tell the stories of many past guests of our centre, celebrating their happy time with us and telling others how important our charity is in 2026 and beyond.
“It would be great if former guests at our centre who came when they were children could get in touch so we can celebrate the great stories they have to tell.
“It’s remarkable to read stories from generations ago which recount past guests saying what confidence they gained from just one week of carefree childhood by the sea. That is a big part of what we still do today. We don’t just provide holidays. We let children know that people care about them – and that is very powerful indeed.”
The charity has often provided a child’s very first visit to the seaside and the famous sandy beach at Skegness with its donkey rides, circus trips and funfair outings have been the scenes of many joyful times over the years.
The Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre 135th anniversary church service is taking place at 3pm at Derby Cathedral on June 13.
Tickets for the birthday party in the glorious grounds of Repton School are £35. The elegant occasion includes luxury afternoon tea, live entertainment and fundraising auction.
Former Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre guests are asked to contact charity CEO Janine Holmes on [email protected]
This story was written and shared on behalf of The Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre by Lucy Stephens. Can we share your news and get you in the headlines too? Find out how we can help by getting in touch.
