Hunstanton Excursion:An Experience to be Savoured

By Elisha Shamba

When three organisations graciously put their heads together to sow acts of hospitality, benevolence and goodwill to the less priviledged group of individuals in the society; the outcome is a phenomenal feat of lasting camaraderie, respect, rediscovery of self-respect, dignity and sense of belonging.

On a lovely Saturday morning, the 30th of August 2008 a group of 70 asylum seekers from different cultural backgrounds and countries filled a coach bound to Hunstanton. The trip was jointly organised by the Leicester City of Sanctuary, the British Red Cross and Trinity Life Church. What a worthy, commendable and well-organised jaunt. There was food galore in form of picnic hampers and also blankets to spread out at the beach.

Indeed, the experince of being an asylum seeker is daunting, disconcerting and at times can drive a person to depression, but life’s blows cannot break a person whose spirit is warmed at the fire of enthusiusm, reassuring cordiality and geniality.

Hearts were filled with joy unspeakable, faces beaming with radiant smiles and even the little ones were exuberating with cheer. The coach left shortly after 8:30am and it took around 3 hours to get to Norfolk.

The moment Cathy Stevenson and Kerri Beech first caught sight of the awe-inspiring sea as the coach wheeled round the outskirts of Dawnham area, they alerted everyone and the whole coach was engulfed in rupturous delight.Happy days!

Hunstanton is a popular Norfolk coastal holiday resort which has one of the best beaches in England.It is said to be the only east coast seaside resort in England where the sun can be seen to set over the sea.

Here is a selection of feedback from those who went :

Thanks a lot for the day. It was a lovely and priceless experience.It was just what I needed. Catherine

Exceptional day for me, I thank the organizers.That means something important for my health. – Alexie

Thanx so much for the wonderful gesture.I had a great day. Words are not enough to express my feeling. Best wishes.God bless Red Cross. – Manje

It was a really fantastic day, I really enjoyed my day and spending it with everyone at the beach. Hopefully we will have another time. Mostly thank God who made it a perfect day for everyone.I also met new people today which is good to have new friends. Keep it up. – Nomagugu

We had a safe and enjoyable trip to the sea. We had a lot of good food and lots of fun playing in the water. May the good Lord bless the people from Trinity Life Church, I really appreciate what they did for us.- Sheila Manonga

Thanx a lot for making our day fabulous, with thanx to the British Red Cross and Trinity Life Church. – Leyla Ahmed

My name is Saadia and I’m very happy for the trip today. Many thanx to everyone who facilitated and helped on the trip today. It made me feel like I was in Kismayo. – Saadia

A beautiful place, the sun shining and a family-feeling all the way through.Good. Thanx. – Joli

It was the most brilliant day of my life. Thank you for making my day. – Ellen

Today was so uplifting, seeing everyone smile made me warmer than the sun. – Kerri

I loved being to relax with new friends. We are fortunate in Leicester to be able to have our lives. – Andrew Starr