Family Holiday 2004 - Overstrand, North Norfolk Coast, East Anglia

Report by Ron Jones

Why attend an Open Bible Trust Family Holiday when you haven’t been before, and you are in your seventies, and it coincides with the start of the school holidays? This is what my wife and I did, and we had no regrets. God really does plan your holidays, and He knew that we have not been so well this year and are no longer able to go abroad with other Christian organisations.

There were just 23 of us this year, but we were joined by six others for some of the days who either lived or were holidaying nearby. There were five children and four teenagers. The holiday was held from the 24th to 31st of July at the Christian Holidays home, the Pleasaunce, near Cromer in Norfolk. Overall, with the other guests and their children, there were about 80 of us in this well appointed Victorian mansion, once owned by Lord and Lady Battersea and purchased in 1935 by the present owners. On a wet Sunday afternoon we had a very interesting tour of the inside, with some of the woodwork, flooring, panelling and shelving, as well as the fireplace, being designed by the architect Lutyens.

Mornings

The morning sessions were organised by the OBT and this year they were done on a different basis, but featured Paul’s letter to the Philippians: (for those who have kept their Study Booklets the OBT have published booklets by Charles Ozanne, John Noble and a ‘team’ of six on this letter). Philippians was examined jointly by Michael Penny and Willie Henry. Michael spoke first on a verse by verse expositional basis, giving the interpretation. This was followed by Willie who picked out the practical points for application today. There were quite a few cross-references to Galatians, Colossians and 2 Timothy. The sessions ended with an invitation to make comments on what we listened to. This was very helpful. One session introduced the subject of how to deal with disagreements within a fellowship or church – the word ‘gentle’ came to the forefront. The epistle is definitely one of rejoicing.

The day trips

The outings this year were very much on a please yourself basis, but quite a few went to see the seals at Blakeny, and take a boat trip on the Broads. The weather was just right and we were all on the top deck to see the expensive houses, sailing regatta, birds and forestation. Visits to National Trust Properties and Holkham Hall proved popular, as did the walk along the coastal path. The weather was generally very good and the nearby beach proved to be a great attraction for some.

The evenings and the food

The evening activities were organised by the leader from the Pleasaunce and we had a wonderful Songs of Praise on Sunday night when most of the children took part. On other evenings there was a quiz, a cabaret, a family service, an Olympic games, and a game of football. One evening a group went to the theatre on Cromer pier.

The whole holiday was helped by the wonderful food, including packed lunches. Definitely the best my wife and myself have had, when compared with other Christian holiday centres..

The Fellowship

Our party was graced by the presence of Pastor David Mwangi from Kenya, who was over in this country to discuss with the Open Bible Trust trustees the setting up of an OBT library in Kenya.
My wife and I were impressed by the way in which members of the holiday related to one another in true Christian fellowship, and who obviously look forward to the holiday year on year. The OBT Family holiday started 20 years ago and a gift of a Salvation Army band CD was presented to Errol Palmer of London, who is the only person to have been present at every holiday for the 20 years.

2005 OBT Family Holiday

If you want good spiritual food and fellowship, why not consider joining us next year. The 2005 OBT Family Holiday will be held from July 23 to 30 on the Isle of Wight, at St. Rhadagunds near Ventnor, which is the Christian Holidays hotel. You will be assured a very warm welcome, and a week of good fellowship and teaching.