2022
Peak Underbank Activity Centre, Stocksbridge, Near Sheffield
A FUN DAY WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY IN SOUTH YORKSHIRE
Review by Gemma Darlow, Administrator
I was up bright and early on Saturday 25 June as I headed to Peak Underbank Activity Centre in Stocksbridge, near Sheffield. The sun was out and, after our enforced hiatus for the last two years due to COVID-19, it was brilliant to finally be back hosting our Friends and Family Day alongside Behçet’s UK Chair, Tony, and Trustees Rachael and Amanda.
We started the day by welcoming everyone with refreshments in the marquee to give our batteries that final boost before our action-packed day of bushcraft, climbing, archery, a leap of faith, zip-line, and watersports.
At 10:30 we were greeted by our fantastic team of instructors, who had been busy setting up the activities for our day. Everyone split into smaller groups and headed off for the first activity of the day, choosing between bushcraft, archery or canoeing, it was a great start to the day and it was wonderful to see everyone enjoying themselves.
After the first activity, there was time for a leisurely lunch back in the marquee, which gave everyone a chance to grab a bite to eat, for children to play and for the adults to chat.
After lunch, there was the choice between climbing, archery, and rafted canoes. I looked on with admiration (I had discovered at my first Friends and Family Day that climbing isn’t a forte of mine) while everyone whizzed up the climbing wall, especially the kids, with many reaching the top.
The archery group were having fun, meanwhile, the canoeists paddled around the reservoir before returning close to shore for a few games which ended with laughter when half the group chose to abandon ship and dive-bomb into the water – a perfect way to cool down!
There was time for a cuppa, snack, sit-down, and a natter back at the marquee before the day’s final activity. We had more bushcrafters heading into the woods to learn survival skills and toast marshmallows (I’m sure Ray Mears and Bear Grylls always keep a packet on them – just in case), kayakers launched off around the reservoir and a brave trio decided to take on the leap of faith (eek!) followed by the less terrifying (well in my eyes) zip-line.
Then, sadly, before we knew it the day was over and it was time for goodbyes and to head home. We received some lovely feedback and were over the moon to hear how much everyone had enjoyed the day.
We’d like to thank everyone for joining us and making the day such a great success and add a special thank you to the superb team at Peak Underbank, whose enthusiasm was contagious and ensured everyone had an amazing day.
