Thank you Cerebra!

For the last week of the school holidays we have been staying at a Haven Holidays caravan park in Caister, Norfolk.

Way back in the spring we applied to Cerebra (a UK charity for families like us) for a respite holiday at their centre in Pembrokeshire, South Wales. They were overwhelmed with requests so they teamed up with Haven to provide holidays for those of us who didn't get in on the first round.

The site at Caister was the first caravan park in the UK, starting a trend that led to this strip of coast having the highest density of caravans in Europe.

Like us, you may have preconceived ideas about trailer park holidays, but I have to say, we had a great time and met people from all walks of life there. We used the swimming pool, theatre, shop and bike rental, and our caravan was fine, except for a badly stained carpet (due to multiple axe murders perhaps?)

Caister is also the site of a Roman Fort and a working fishing village. 'Worth a look. Offshore is a spectacular wind-farm that I found quite photogenic. Inland, there is the Norfolk Broads; a network of freshwater medieval waterways at sea level, created by peat-diggings for fuel.

We spent our mornings around the site swimming or cycling and our afternoons out on The Broads, boating or walking on boardwalks. Our grand-son Jake came along for the first few days. 'All totally delightful.

Meanwhile, back at The Ranch, our son Nick had our house and car to himself. No major damage, as far as we can see.

So thank-you Cerebra for a real holiday. We returned to work, school and all our usual problems, suitably fortified and ready for the Autumn Term.

You can see all the photos (a lot!) at Broads 2010 If you have any trouble, or indeed comments, e-mail us.