It's Like Getting Wings

Thanks to the Winged Fellowship Trust disabled guests at Crabhill House enjoy a fortnight’s holiday that can make a real difference

A fortnight's holiday at Crabhill House starts with the arrival and reception of the guests. We see them attended by volunteer carers as they relax in the garden or make use of the many facilities on offer. Trips to Hever Castle and Bird World in Farnham are followed by church visits, a barbecue in the garden, a disco and a bizarre version of Swan Lake enacted by the male volunteers. On the last evening the guests enjoy a final meal together before heading for home the next morning.

The Winged Fellowship Trust, now called Revitalise, was set up in 1963, by Joan Brander, who, while working in London as a regional organiser for the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service, witnessed a family break-up due to the pressure of looking after a disabled relative. This made Joan determined to find ways to help other disabled people and their family carers. Seeking to convert some wooden chalets at Grange Farm in Chigwell, Essex, into purpose-built holiday accommodation for disabled visitors, Joan began a fundraising effort. She was so successful that the newly formed Winged Fellowship Trust was able to purchase Crabhill House near Redhill, Surrey and equip it to meet the needs of its many guests.