September 2022

Compaid's Training Centre Clients Take a Trip to Hever Castle

A long awaited visit to Hever Castle & Gardens took place this week thanks to Paula Stack, Ladies Captain of Hever Castle Golf Club, who chose Compaid as her charity of the year and initiated the visit.

Alongside volunteers from Cripps, Pemberton Greenish Accountants Ltd, Compaid assisted many of our clients to a venture through the historic castle and across the expansive gardens surrounding the Castle. Our clients had a marvellous time exploring the historic castle and stunning gardens, taking in the wondrous Hever Lake and enjoying lunch by the Moat Café as the sun finally came out.

From the Hedge Maze and Military Museum supplanted across the undulating and rolling plains of the castle’s gardens, to the tranquil Hever Lake stretching out beside the Japanese Tea House, to the remarkable 13^th century castle itself that was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and mother of Elizabeth I, Hever Castle had no shortage of intrigue and prestige that our staff, clients and volunteers were able to enjoy together.

It was refreshing to witness the smiles and enthusiastic curiosity of our clients as they made their way around, taking photos at every possible opportunity. By the end of the day, though tired and their excitement lingering, they bid the castle farewell and began their journeys home with much to talk about.

For many of our disabled clients, the chance to get out of their homes and spend an afternoon in such an enchanting location was rare, so with a team of dedicated volunteers focused on providing assistance to ensure everyone was safe and able to get around at their own pace, enjoying the day, they were able to fully take in all the beauty that Hever Castle had to offer without worry.

Fundraising manager Diane Bradley said, “We were extremely grateful for the this rare opportunity to give our disabled clients such an enjoyable day at Hever Castle, I would like to extend my thanks especially to the fantastic volunteers from Cripps, Pemberton Greenish Accountants Ltd and Paula Stack who made this memorable trip possible for our elderly and vulnerable clients”.

Once again, we want to thank the staff at Hever Castle, and everyone who made this memorable trip possible for the vulnerable people we support. We hope to have more trips as splendid as this in future.