January 11th, 2014

Well folks, this year, 2014 is going to see all our wishes granted I feel sure!
We enjoyed a very special sparkly Secret Garden Christmas, with some very fun and sometimes quite moving moments. The Crib Service is one that springs to mind - with some beautiful singing and great fun had dressing up.
New year brought laughter and tears - with some of the childrens' 'Wish Lists' moving us beyond measure. I am so proud of the young people we meet at the Secret Garden. They show immeasurable compassion and great sparks of genius too! I count myself very lucky to know them.
Now to move on to the start of this great and promising year. Dates are not released yet, but keep an eye on the Facebook page and they will be revealed soon. We are running 3 days during Feb half term, and one of the Easter weeks. Whit will also be limited to 3 days - there are a number of reasons for this. We are developing our facilities and working on perfecting the 'Hobbit House' and the barn area. There are trees which need to be worked on and it's time to give Ruby's area some attention too. We can't do these things without using some of the holiday time, when we're all around, to get on with it. 
There is also the fact that Maisie is taking her GCSE's this Summer. She needs us to consider her revision in our plans, and a few days of peace and quiet are the least I can offer her. However much she intends to remain upstairs and study, Maisie hears the children and can't resist coming to say hello! So I have to keep the temptation to a minimum. A compromise seems appropriate. As some of you know, I have had problems with my ears since a car accident a year ago - and although I am assured that this will improve considerably in the near future, this is the reason that you might have seen me conspicuous by my absence lately! This is another thing which is temporary, and I'd like to thank the wonderful people who assist in the running of the Secret Garden - particularly when I'm not up to par.
I will make sure that you all know the dates for Spring holidays soon - we are quite happy for you to request places prior to this - we can only say 'yes' or 'no' - but if you are a regular Secret Garden customer, please be assured that we will do all we can to accommodate your requests within our timetable.
What all this basically means is that we preserve our quality of provision by offering a number of superb days, every holiday, while we build up our facility, our wellbeing and share our responsibilities between the community we serve, and our daughter's education. 
I hope you can bear with us for the next few holidays. we will be launching into the Summer holidays with a vengeance! I predict the best, sunniest, and most fun times to be had this Summer when we will be offering approximately 4 weeks of themed activities. Details to follow! 
So please accept our sincere wishes for a very happy and positive New Year, and thank you, as always. for being the fabulous families you are. We consider it a great privilege to spend time with your amazing young people.
There are great things to come.
Watch this space!! 
Jules x

---