Behçet’s UK Friends & Family Day 2025
Saturday 21 June 2025
Grafham Water Centre, Cambridgeshire
Registration opens at 09:00 on Monday 3 March 2025
2025 will be our eighth year holding a Behçet’s Friends and Family Day and this year we will be heading to Grafham Water Centre near Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire on Saturday 21 June 2025. The centre is under 30 miles from Peterborough, Cambridge and Northampton so we hope this location will be suitable for many of our members.
Come along, take part or spectate – the choice is yours – but either way it is a wonderful chance for members of Behçet’s UK to get together for a FREE fun day out with their family and/or friends. It gives children and adults alike the chance to try some fun activities, make new friends and meet other families affected by Behçet’s.
We’ll be offering a variety of activities both on land and on the water which will include archery, bushcraft, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding. No previous experience is necessary as these activities are suitable for all ability levels, including beginners and some are more suited to those with mobility issues.
We’ll have exclusive use of the marquee which be our base for the day where you can head whenever you need to take a break and recharge. We provide lunch and refreshments throughout the day allowing you to just turn up and enjoy yourselves!
Our Frequently Asked Questions section below should hopefully answer any questions you may have but please don’t hesitate to get in touch by email at info@behcetsuk.org or call us on 0345 130 7328 if there is anything else you would like to know.
It’s set to be a fantastic day out and we hope you can join us!
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS THE BEHÇET’S UK FAMILY DAY?
This will be our seventh year holding a Behçet’s UK Friends and Family Day and it is a chance for members of Behçet’s UK to get together for a FREE fun day out with their family and friends.
It also gives everyone the opportunity to make new friends, meet other families affected by Behçet’s and try some fun activities.
We encourage all ages to come along to join in or just watch (if preferred) – it’s not just for kids! At previous family days’ ages have ranged from 18 months to 70 years!
WHERE IS THE BEHÇET’S UK FRIENDS & FAMILY DAY?
This year our Friends and Family Day will be held at Grafham Water Centre
Grafham Water Centre, Perry, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE28 0GW
WHEN IS THE BEHÇET’S UK FRIENDS & FAMILY DAY?
Saturday 21 June 2024, 09:30 – 17:00
WHAT IS THE COST
Our Friends and Family Day is FREE to attend for Behçet’s UK members and their family/friends, however, to secure your place(s) we request a refundable deposit of £10 per adult attending. This will be refunded within 10 days of attending the friends and family day.
I’M NOT A MEMBER OF BEHÇET’S UK CAN I STILL ATTEND?
Unfortunately, the Behçet’s UK Friends and Family Day is for Behcet’s UK members and their family/friends only. Each group/family who attends must have at least one Behcet’s UK member.
Click here to join Behçet’s UK today
HOW AND WHEN CAN I RESERVE A PLACE?
Reservations open at 09:00 on Monday 3 March 2025.
Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis but we will have a waiting list should places become available.
We will confirm by email, within 5 working days, if we have been able to allocate your requested place(s) – please check your spam/junk folder.
If we can fulfil your booking request your place(s) will be reserved for 14 days to allow you time to pay your refundable deposit. If we don’t receive your deposit within 14 days of sending the payment link your place(s) will be released and reallocated.
If we are unable to initially fulfil your request we will let you know by email but will keep you on our waiting list and get in touch if places become available.
WHAT INFORMATION DO I NEED TO RESERVE MY PLACE?
You can reserve 6 participant places per group, plus additional spectator places and you will need the following information to complete all the registration details for each adult/child attending:
- first and last name
- date of birth (needed for the group consent form and event planning)
- details of any dietary requirements and allergies (required for catering)
- details of any mobility issues (needed for the group consent form and event planning)
- details of any medical conditions or health issues (needed for the group consent form and event planning)
WHEN AND HOW DO I PAY MY REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT?
Once allocated places will be reserved for 14 days to allow you time to pay your refundable deposit of £10 per adult in the group.
We will send you an email confirming your place(s) and a further email from Behçet’s UK (invoicing@messaging.squareup.com) with your deposit invoice and payment link.
If we don’t receive your deposit within 14 days of sending the payment link your place(s) will be released and reallocated.
If you are unable to pay by credit/debit card or need longer than 14 days to pay your refundable deposit, please contact the admin team by phone 0345 130 7328 or email info@behcetsuk.org as soon as possible to ensure your places aren’t cancelled.
WHY ARE YOU CHARGING A REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT FOR A FREE EVENT?
As this event is free for Behçet’s UK members and their families/friends with limited places available we request a refundable deposit to encourage groups who reserve places to attend and discourage no-shows.
Discouraging no-shows ensures the groups who do attend have a more enjoyable day, reduces the number of disappointed members who can’t attend due to unused places and means that we don’t waste valuable Behçet’s UK funds which could be put to better use.
We appreciate that due to the nature of Behçet’s some cancellations are unavoidable. We will refund your deposit in full if you cancel your booking by 21 May 2025, after this date, please contact us as we will do our utmost to fill any places so we can return your deposit.
ALL THE PLACES ARE BOOKED, DO YOU HAVE A WAITING LIST?
Yes, once all the places have been allocated please complete the request form and we will add you to our waiting list. We will be in touch if/when any places become available.
WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL?
In the event that you are unable to attend and you need to cancel your place(s) we request that you contact us by email at info@behcetsuk.org or call us on 0345 130 7328 as soon as possible so we can try to fill your place(s).
If you cancel on or before 21 May 2025 we will refund your deposit in full. If you cancel after 21 May 2025 we will refund your deposit if we successfully fill your place(s). Rest assured we will do our utmost to help fill any places so we can return your deposit.
We will aim to refund your deposit within 10 working days.
WHAT IS THE PLAN FOR THE DAY?
We have exclusive use of the marquee which will be our base for the day. This is where we will have our breaks and lunch.
| 09:30 – 10:30 | Arrival and meet for refreshments |
| 10:30 – 12:00 | Activity 1 |
| 12:00 – 13:15 | Break including buffet lunch |
| 13:15 – 14:45 | Activity 2 |
| 14:45 – 15:15 | Break and refreshments |
| 15:15 – 16:45 | Activity 3 |
| 16:45 – 17:00 | Goodbyes |
WHAT ACTIVITIES WILL THERE BE?
There will be three activity sessions during the day with three activities available at each session. You can select your activities when you arrive on a first come first served basis as each activity is limited group to instructor ratios.
Orienteering is also available as an additional self-led activity throughout the day.
| Activity 1 | Archery | Bushcraft | Sailing – Keelboat |
| Activity 2 | Bushcraft | Climbing | Canoeing |
| Activity 3 | Climbing | Archery | SUP |
See WHAT DO THESE ACTIVITIES INVOLVE? for more information.
Activities are suitable for children aged 8 and over and adults and no previous experience is necessary. Sessions are run by fully qualified and experienced instructors and the centre provides safety equipment and wetsuits.
The Activity Centre reserves the right to cancel, alter or delay any activity where forced to do so by circumstances out of their control, such as illness, weather, or any situation that they believe would put participants or employees in danger.
IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE FOR TAKING PART?
Children must be aged 8 or over to take part.
Children under 8 years are welcome to join us for the day but will be unable to take part in the activities and must be supervised by an adult at all times. You are welcome to parent swap when taking part in land based activities. Please reserve a ‘Spectator Place’ for children too young to join in.
Minimum age is provided as a guide only, participation is dependent on safety equipment fitting correctly and children being able to use the equipment rather than age. The Activity Centre will not allow anyone to participate if the safety equipment does not fit correctly.
All activities will have a qualified instructor however we request that any child aged 16 and under is supervised at each activity by a parent/carer who is either taking part or spectating.
CAN I CHOOSE MY ACTIVITIES BEFORE THE DAY?
You can choose which activities you would like to take part in when you arrive on the day on a first come first served basis. Each activity is limited to 8 participants due to instructor/participant ratios.
CAN I JUST SPECTATE?
Yes. You are more than welcome to join us for the day and cheer on your friends/family who are participating. Please make a ‘Spectator Only’ reservation when booking your place(s) so we know you are coming, and we can cater for you.
WHAT IF I DON’T WANT TO TAKE PART IN A PARTICULAR ACTIVITY?
You will have the chance to choose your preferred activities on the day (subject to availability) but if there is an activity that you are unsure about and would just like to try please feel free to give it a go – you can always opt to spectate if it doesn’t turn out to be your thing – the most important thing is that you have fun!
WHAT DO THESE ACTIVITIES INVOLVE?
Archery
Age: 8 +
Learn how to shoot like Robin Hood and test your skills in the art of archery. This instructor-led session will enable you to learn the traditional art of archery and compete against friends and family. The activity instructor will support you throughout to ensure everyone enjoys the session safely.
Bushcraft
Age: 8+
Bushcraft is an exciting, adventure activity that teaches participants a wide range of skills necessary to survive in the wild! This can include constructing a shelter using natural materials, safely building and lighting a fire.
Canoeing
Age: 8+
Traditional Canadian style paddling with open canoes using single-bladed paddles and working in pairs. These are slower pace making for calm and tranquil trips round on the water.
Climbing
Age: 8+
The centre’s indoor climbing wall will test your nerve for heights! A fun and adventurous session designed to introduce you to the heights of climbing, tailored to your experience.
Sailing – keelboat (dry)
Age: 8+
Keelboats allow everyone to enjoy sailing as a larger group, learning the fundamentals of sailing.Keelboats are incredibly stable and accessible for all.
This is a dry activity on water.
Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Age: 8+
SUP has become one of the most popular water sports, not only because it’s a really fun sport but also because of the many amazing benefits that paddle boarding has.
SUP is very easy to learn, very safe, and very inclusive, which adds to the many reasons why it is so popular and well-loved.
I HAVE A DISABILITY OR MOBILITY ISSUES: CAN I STILL TAKE PART?
Some activities can be adapted to accommodate those less abled such as archery, climbing and we have tried to ensure there are different activities available throughout the day to accommodate different levels of mobility. If you need assistance from another person we ask that they too register for the event.
If you have any particular concerns, please get in touch with us by emailing us at info@behcetsuk.org or call us on 0345 130 7328 to discuss your disability or mobility along with any other information you feel we should be made aware of so we can consult with the centre to make your visit more enjoyable.
WHERE CAN I TAKE A BREAK?
We have exclusive use of the marquee which is available anytime throughout the day and solely for Behçet’s UK friends and family day guests.
WHAT FOOD AND/OR REFRESHMENTS WILL THERE BE?
A sandwich buffet lunch will be provided so please let us know of any dietary requirements or allergies when reserving your place(s). Refreshments of tea, coffee, squash and snacks are provided throughout the day. We also suggest you bring a refillable water bottle to keep with you during the day.
WILL IT GO AHEAD IF IT’S RAINING?
Yes. As the weather is notoriously unpredictable in the UK please keep an eye on the weather forecast and bring wet weather gear if it looks a little soggy. A large part of the day’s activity will take place outside, so please come prepared.
WHAT SHALL I WEAR/BRING?
Wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather, which you won’t mind if it gets wet or dirty, with changes and spare footwear in case it does. Please remember you will be outside for the majority of your day.
We suggest laying loose comfortable clothing, (not jeans) and/or shorts and t-shirt if the weather is warm. Below is an idea of what to wear but is not an exhaustive list and refer to the details below for the individual activity guidance:
- Shirt / T-shirt (wicking/synthetic is best for quick drying)
- Fleece / jumper
- Tracksuit bottoms / trousers (not jeans)
- Closed toe footwear – trainers / walking shoes
- Waterproof coat/top & trousers (if rain forecast)
- Towel
- Sun cream & sun hat
Long hair must be tied back and loose jewellery removed.
If it is a sunny day please ensure you apply and pack plenty of sun cream, of a high factor, a water bottle, as well as a sun hat. You will be able refill your water bottle on site.
Watersports
For all the water activities where you are likely to get wet the centre will offer a wetsuit. If you have your own wetsuit, you can bring that with you. It’s recommended to wear a wicking top/rash vest underneath if you have one and swimming costume/shorts for comfort. Please avoid wearing cotton t-shirts underneath your wetsuit as these just stay wet and make you cold.
Please wear closed toe footwear suitable for getting wet e.g. old trainers or neoprene shoes. Flip flops and crocs are unsuitable and may get lost in the water.
You are likely to get wet so please bring along a towel, change of clothes and a plastic bag to put your wet belongings into.
Changing facilities and showers are available.
In sunny weather remember your sunhat and sun cream.
Land activities
All land activities require closed toe footwear with good grip, such as trainers.
Wear loose comfortable clothing that you can easily move around in. Joggers, leggings and outdoor trousers are all excellent, please no jeans.
For archery long long-sleeved tops work well to help protect your arm from the string (arm bracers are provided for protection).
If the forecast is rainy or cold please bring a waterproof jacket (and trousers, if you have them) to keep you warm and dry.
In sunny weather remember your sunhat and sun cream.
ARE THERE ANY STORAGE FACILITIES TO LEAVE THINGS ON SITE?
You are welcome to leave your possessions in the marquee but items are left at your own risk – please note the room will not be locked and may be unoccupied during activities.
Please don’t leave valuables unattended.
HOW DO I GET THERE?
Google/Apple Maps – search for “Grafham Water Centre”
Satnav use postcode “PE28 0GW”
Leave the A1 at the Buckden roundabout and take the turning onto the B661 signposted to Kimbolton. Carry on down the road to Perry. Once in Perry turn right opposite the Wheatsheaf Pub down Chichester Way. At the bottom of the road turn a tight right into Grafham Water Centre.
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By rail: Huntingdon Train Station and St Neots Train Station are the two closest stations to the Centre. Both are under a 15-minute taxi ride away.
By bus: Huntingdon Bus Station and St Neots Bus Station are the two closest stations to the Centre. Both are under a 15-minute taxi ride away.
WHERE CAN I PARK?
There is a free car park on site.
I’D LIKE TO BOOK OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION, WHERE CAN I STAY?
There are guest houses and hotels, including budget chains, in the area. We are unable to offer any recommendations as we don’t have sufficient knowledge of the local area but if you do need any help finding accommodation please get in touch.
WILL THERE BE PHOTOGRAPHS?
We will be taking photographs throughout the event and by attending you are consenting for your image to be used by Behçet’s UK to promote our future work and events in printed or electronic form (for example website and social media).
If you do not wish to have your photograph taken and/or used please inform us by phoning 0345 130 7328 or emailing us at info@behcetsuk.org. Alternatively, you can inform Gemma Darlow on the day of the event.
We will not include the personal details of any person in a photograph whether in printed or electronic form without gaining specific consent.
We will store the photographs securely for up to 5 years. Your consent will automatically expire after this period which means we will no longer create new promotional material, whether in printed or electronic form without obtaining your consent again. Any promotional material created within the consensual period will remain in circulation until the end of its promotional life unless deemed inappropriate to do so.
Please note that websites can be seen worldwide and not just in the UK where UK law applies.
You are entitled to withdraw your consent at any time in writing or by emailing info@behcetsuk.org. Upon receiving your withdrawal of consent, your image will not be used in future publications and removed from our website and social media accounts however your image may continue to appear in materials (printed and electronic) already in circulation.