The Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre in Skegness is set to re-open on Tuesday 11 April following a much need makeover organised by staff of Derby Homes.

The Mayor of Derby, Councillor Roy Webb and the Mayor of Skegness, Councillor Brian O’Connor, accompanied by the Mayoress of Derby, Mrs Ann Webb and the Mayoress of Skegness, Mrs Heather O’Connor, will jointly declare the refurbished Centre open.

Two holidaymakers from the 1920s, Mabel Baggulay (nee Eley), aged 88 and Ken Hembury, 87, will assist them in the ribbon cutting.

Derek Bale and Terry Willis of Derby Homes had learned of the work of the Centre and of the need for an upgrade and refurbishment. With the approval of their Board they enlisted the help of the organisation’s construction partners, contractors and suppliers. 

A full programme of work was carried out over a two week period, including the installation of new windows, a heating upgrade with new radiators, domestic plumbing, electrical checks, joinery work, a kitchen upgrade, full internal decoration, carpeting to the hallway and stairs, new curtains, a fire safety review and a complete asbestos survey.

Derek and Terry also organised events, including a sponsored parachute jump and a charity golf day, to help fund the project,

Bill Tomlinson, Chairman of the Trustees at the centre said: “The drive and dedication of Derek and Terry has ensured the comfort and well-being of all those Derbyshire children who attend the Centre. Without their work it would have taken the Trust years to complete the programme. The Trustees applaud them and their partners.“

Dennis Rees, Chair of Derby Homes, said: “Our partners, contractors and suppliers responded magnificently to the call for help from Derek and Terry and the building is now looking better than ever,”

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