The Share Holiday Village was a place of special celebration this week as it marked the 25th visit of Gordon and Dot Squier.

The couple from Birmingham have been travelling to Share each Summer since 1983.

When asked why they keep returning? Dot commented "...we knew the first time we had found somewhere good, so why change." Originally they came along with their children Dan and Angela who later discovered the joys of volunteering at Share.

The initial contact with Share was through a relation John Smiley who was involved in the establishment of Share in 1981; in fact Dot and Gordon were an inspiration for the ethos of the Centre. Gordon a retired Research Fellow at Birmingham University has suffered from Multiple Sclerosis since his early twenties confining him to a wheel chair.

However, the Centre has provided a holiday venue where Gordon has been able to enjoy sailing, Dot has learned to windsurf and they both have been able to relax. "Initially we only came for one week but after that we realised a two week break was necessary, one week to get over work and one week to relax." joked Dot.

The community spirit, the can-do attitude of staff and volunteers, meeting old friends and the range of activities are the main attractions for the couple. Each year Share provides a volunteer to help Dot care for Gordon allowing them both the freedom to relax. The Centre has changed from a small site with caravans and a few chalets to a 65 acre site attracting over 15,000 customers a year. "Share changes every year but has always retained the same atmosphere" said Dot.

Share's longest serving customers have already booked for 2008 and surely provide an inspiration for all on how to get the most out of a difficult situation.