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Holiday Adventures
24 JUNE 2021
How to Keep Your Sanity! BY CARON BLUESTONE Whilst we adjust yet again to our new normal, can we go to Israel this year? Is it even worth leaving the UK? Why is it all so complicated?! Here are a couple of recommendations that should hopefully help pass the time at home. The first is an activity in which the whole family can partake. We’ve been doing it for years, it’s especially good on shabbos and now more so than ever, is an environmentally friendly activity that boosts health and wellbeing. I’m talking about walking. Since we’ve been almost housebound except for exercise over the past year, we have found a new joy for and discovered the previously undiscovered on our doorstep. A beautiful three mile walk along Dollis Valley in Finchley, past beautiful allotments, along the brook proper, under canopies of towering trees, with a park thrown in for good measure. I’ve been told that just 30 minutes walk a day is the same as taking an antidepressant. By a psychiatrist, no less. As a family, we’ve walked through the seasons and in all weathers. Each has its own pleasures. Even walking in the rain, which for me brings such satisfaction. So, the three mile walk takes around an hour, give or take, bearing in mind that we stop for refreshments and include in our group, a five year old who mostly scoots. If you walk at pace and regularly, it’s important to wear the correct gear. Footwear can add value or slow you down. When walking in the winter, through mud and rain, you need grip, plus water-proof. I headed to Berghaus for a coat and boots. Kit that would see us through all conditions. With over 50 year’s experience in outdoor clothing and equipment, it’s your go-to brand. Not super-cheap but built to last and to perform. My totally waterproof coat, with a capped hood to keep out the rain, is extremely light, yet warm. I walked warm, in temperatures close to freezing with only one layer below but conversely don’t overheat either in warmer weather. It’s also pretty stylish so I’m happy to wear it for general use too! www.berghaus.com/ With summer upon and staycations appealing more and more, one thing that we can be certain of is the unpredictable British weather. Many UK destinations will feature lots of outdoor activities from walking to climbing to rambling. It’s worth spending that little extra on quality attire. Layering is key, as we can see three seasons in one day here. Beautifully designed baselayers, compact yet clever
to enjoy his days with! Camp Beaumont is truly versatile and caters for 3-16 year olds. There’s a reason why it’s been around all this time. They really do know how to offer good childcare during school holidays. With over 20 locations in and around London, there truly is something for everyone. Their prices are reasonable, the staff are young, full of energy and enthusiasm and the choice of camp activities offers something for every taste and age. Importantly all camps are OFSTED registered and from my own experience, they do provide a high level of care. Despite the many children that arrive daily at the Mill Hill camp, you still feel an individual level of care and attention. Staff know the children, are visible and around to talk to whenever needed. Communication is really key during these unprecedented covid times and it’s comforting to know that the camp staff are always there at the end of a phone, throughout the day for any changes to the daily schedule, should you need. Camp Beaumont is a true lifesaver. Send kids in a group of their peers and they come home happy, tired and even inspired! www.campbeaumont.co.uk
LASTLY FOR THOSE PREPARING TO TRAVEL…
Walking in Dollis Valley
rucksacks and truly innovative trousers all feature heavily in the summer collection.
SUMMER CAMP?
Whilst we await the next announcements on foreign travel. Will anywhere enticing be added to this ridiculous green list? Can anyone actually afford the testing for orange and red, well they are just for urgent unavoidable trips. Paying through the nose to be imprisoned for ten days in a Premier Inn is just that! Destinations, with varying degrees of no quarantine, to managed hotel quarantine, depending on the covid risk profile, families may want to look in some fun for the kids at a day camp. Frazzled parents, working parents,
any parents, need holiday activities to keep the little ones busy. I, for one, can’t officiate day-long battles between siblings, or sit by as my eldest stays glued to an Ipad. Children need fresh air, fun and more so now than ever before, a chance to socialise with their peers. In the extended Easter holidays, I got my freedom back from Camp Beaumont. Tried and tested, it’s 41 years old this year (I remember attending with my best friend, Karen, many moons ago!) and despite its size, has offered a secure, safe, covid-free environment for my 5 year old. Even better, our local camp is at his school, thus providing that added level of familiarity, along with half his classmates
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For pre-departure testing I’m recommending Collinson. They are the UK’s leading Covid-19 travel testing provider and government approved for mandatory and test to release PCR tests. This makes a huge difference, as they work with a large network of labs, they’re able to process at scale. They have testing centres at Heathrow Terminals 2 and 5, Stansted, City, Luton , Manchester and East Midlands airports, as well as APH Gatwick and the 02 Arena. PCR tests take between 24-48 hours to process and the rules at this moment ask for a valid test within 72 hours of travel. The process is quick and easy and you don’t even need to leave your car with results sent via email, ready to show at the airport. Collinson also offers the full gamut of other Covid-19 tests including same day test to release LAMP tests (before midnight for appointments up to 4pm), Antigen and Antibody too.
