Our first seaside outing of the summer took us to Bournemouth in July. Once the families arrived, they were able to make the most of their time by the coast. One parent told us their family managed to tick off everything on their seaside wish list: a swim in the sea, fish and chips, and a stop at the arcade.
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Swap to Hayling Island for second trip
The day before the second Bournemouth trip, Horseman Coaches got in touch to warn us about wildfires in the New Forest, associated road closures and the impact this would have on travel times. They suggested Hayling Island as a suitable alternative in the same general direction, but without the disrupted routes. The switch proved to be a good one.

Interest from our partner agencies was especially strong for the trip. After our new partner, RCLC, asked whether more families could be included, we agreed to expand the offer. We booked two 56‑seat coaches, which meant we could extend places to additional partners as well. In the end, an impressive 102 seats were taken.

Once we arrived, everyone set off to enjoy the day. The weather was glorious — sunny, cooler than Reading, and with a refreshing sea breeze. After a few hours by the water, families boarded the coaches for the journey home.

​Across both seaside outings, Reading Family Aid supported families from seven organisations working with disadvantaged communities. For some, it was their first ever visit to the beach. The feedback afterwards made clear just how valuable a shared day out can be.

​Thank you to everyone who helped
We are grateful to Horseman Coaches and their drivers for getting everyone from A to B safely and comfortably, including their practical support when the destination changed. Thank you also to Emmer Green Kindergarten for supplying car seats and booster seats for both seaside outings, to the partner organisations that supported participating families and to our volunteers.

Reading Family Aid has marked the retirement of four exceptional volunteers whose dedication has shaped our charity for decades. Between them they have contributed about 100 years of support and members of the committee expressed their appreciation at a celebration after the AGM.
 
Jill Barker
Following in her mother’s footsteps, Jill joined us in 2007. Laura shared: “She helped at so many fundraising events and most recently sorted the books donated for the Toys and Teens Appeal.” A former primary school teacher, one of her former pupils has now joined Reading Family Aid.
 
Ruth Perkins
Ruth began as a driver for the toys appeal 25 years ago and soon became central to the charity’s organisation. Wendy said: “With her management background she’s been a godsend.” Paul added: “Ruth has been like a rock.” Anna echoed the sentiment: “She’s so organised and runs a tight ship. It’s going to be a lot to try and replace all that.”
 
Val Sansom
Since at leats 2003, Val has been involved in almost everything we do — fundraising, outings, and many years of committed work on the Toys and Teens Appeal. Her reliability and warmth have been a steady presence.
 
Sallie Wall
Known affectionately as the fount of all knowledge, Sallie has supported every corner of our work for 23 years. Ruth summed it up perfectly: “She will turn her hand to anything… I remember when she started she took on being secretary and she has been an absolute mainstay on the toy project ever since.”
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We offer our heartfelt thanks and warmest best wishes to Sallie, Val, Jill and Ruth. Their commitment has strengthened Reading Family Aid for generations, and they leave an extraordinary legacy.

Our stall at this year’s Earley Green Fair on 1 August proved a real success, with visitors snapping up donated books and toys and helping raise £847 for our cause. The steady stream of families throughout the day created a warm, lively atmosphere, and every purchase contributed directly to our fundraising total.

A heartfelt thank‑you goes to everyone who stopped by, donated items, or supported us. We are especially grateful to our volunteers, whose time, energy, and good humour made the stall run smoothly from start to finish.

This fantastic result shows what our community can achieve together and the money raised will be put to a good use – putting smiles on children’s faces.