Supporters turn out for grand opening of Wingate Holidays
Supporters joined The Wingate Centre’s team to celebrate the grand opening of Wingate Holidays, the Cheshire disability charity’s brand-new, fully accessible holiday accommodation in Wrenbury, near Nantwich.
Fundraisers, donors and other supporters came together at our centre to mark the official launch of our self-catering holiday facilities. The new accommodation offers children and adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) the chance to be fully included in their family or group break. Plus, every booking will help bring in more income to safeguard our charity’s life-enhancing work into the future.
And it couldn’t come at a better time, as research by Family Fund found 77% of parents raising a disabled child believe it’s important to have holidays and breaks as a family, yet these families take around half as many UK holidays as families without disabled children.
Accessible UK holidays for all
We were inspired to launch Wingate Holidays because of our many years’ experience providing activities, services and residential accommodation for individuals, schools and other organisations with additional needs. We've revamped and opened up our accommodation to give families and groups who might otherwise struggle to book a holiday the opportunity to enjoy The Wingate Centre's facilities in a beautiful rural location.
Aphra Brandreth, MP for Chester South & Eddisbury, cut the ribbon to officially open the accommodation. She said: “I was delighted to be invited to celebrate the opening of Wingate Holidays. Every family, whatever their accessibility needs, deserves the opportunity to enjoy a break, and what better place to do so than in this beautiful part of Cheshire.
“I first visited The Wingate Centre two years ago and was impressed by its excellent facilities, the activities and events it offers, and its warm and welcoming café. But what was most clear was how passionate everyone involved, from trustees to managers to staff, is about the centre and how much they care about the service they provide and those who benefit from it. I loved it so much, I even convinced my dad Gyles to become a supporter.”
Supporters given tour of The Wingate Centre
After the ribbon-cutting, we treated our supporters to a tour of our broad range of facilities, from Wingate Holidays and our on-site Sunshine Café to our famous gym and beautiful outdoor spaces. They also enjoyed refreshments including homemade cakes and biscuits, and everyone left with a goody bag.
Ian Linton, General Manager at The Wingate Centre, said: “Our centre is a place where children and adults with additional needs can come together, try new things, have fun and make memories by taking part in activities like rebound therapy, sport and fitness, arts and crafts, and dance.
“And it was through our school residentials that the idea for Wingate Holidays began. Over the years, we’ve learnt a huge amount about what people need when they’re away from home. From the practical things like accessible bedrooms and bathrooms, to creating an environment where people feel comfortable, welcome and relaxed.”
The impact of Wingate Holidays
Neil McCallum, Chair of The Wingate Centre’s Board of Trustees, spoke about the impact of the new accommodation. He said: “Wingate Holidays is a unique facility that will give holiday opportunities to people who might not otherwise be able to enjoy a break. And every booking will help to keep our charity going into the future. Thank you to all our supporters, who make an invaluable contribution to our work.”
Two en-suite holiday lets are now available to book in the first phase of Wingate Holidays. Sleeping up to six (if booked together), both have been carefully designed with accessibility and comfort in mind. Situated on the ground floor with level access throughout, features include ceiling hoists, wet room bathrooms, wide doorways and plenty of space to move freely. All guests share a fully accessible, self-catering kitchen and a lounge, and they also have access to the centre’s other facilities, grounds and free on-site parking.
Occupying a central location within two hours of Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham, and close to the Welsh border, The Wingate Centre is in easy reach of accessible tourist attractions like Chester Zoo.
Book now or learn more about Wingate Holidays
To book a stay or find out more:
Email: ang@thewingatecentre.co.uk
Or call 01270 780456
