Dave T-W @davoloid@qoto.org

Not too surprising that #Barbie has hit $1bn, but I expect that to grow with repeat views. And a lot of people haven't even seen it (who I expected would have)
https://www.breakingnews.ie/entertainment/barbie-joins-one-billion-dollar-club-in-record-breaking-run-for-greta-gerwig-2-1511937.html

Here's this evening's dinner options at Potters. There's a dessert of the day, (Churros), or a range of chilled gateux etc.

Oh well, another post. Potters offer a weekend break, midweek, or a full week. On the interlull days there are no activities so we usually hang around the pool, or beach (did I mention they have a private beach?) or visit the Pleasure Beach or Circus at #GreatYarmouth.
Still have lunch, preselected. So we're sitting with a young family we've met before, also one of the few staying over for the full week.
And here's my lunch: Halloumi Salad.

I mentioned #food, and that's one of the things where we have to plan ahead to ensure we still fit in some clothes at the end of the week. Or that you don't miss out on a favourite dessert because you're still full from Lunch.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are at set time but have loads of options, and there's even a curry/chilli/pasta about 11pm after the main show if by some chance you're still peckish.
Very accommodating to allergies or picky eaters. You have an assigned table and waiter, and some things are brought to you, some you can do self-serve. Quality is exceptional, they've really managed to systemise fine dining.

Any q's, fire away!

5/5

Now you might be thinking, "this sounds like a nightmare for #disabilities, #ADHD /other ND types, but again, the safe space and rapport allow for this. Always almost always someone with CP, downs, ASD, and families able to feel they're not in a goldfish bowl.

The evening revolves around Bingo and the Theatre, where their band and theatre company perform show tunes, songs and variety sketches (often with audience participation).

Again, the rapport between crew and guests works well here, as during the day activities, they quickly work out who is game for a laugh.

https://www.youtube.com/live/AGNSt3bOV3s?feature=share

4/n

Many of the crew and staff have been here for years, and with returning guests, so there's a real camaraderie, if you're willing to join in with the silliness. Here's two of the newer members in competition.
https://youtu.be/ByHzrFq4hO8

Also note here that their media production, as I posted yesterday, is absolutely brilliant. As with everything, they do it in-house and continuously bring out new activities.
3/n

It's now all inclusive, which covers all activities, incredible food, and most alcoholic and soft drinks.
Activities include Archery, Air Rifles, Laser Clays, Climbing wall, Segways, Kids reclining bikes, squash, tennis, badminton, bowls, pool, gym, crazy golf, 9-hole golf, tons more and lots of quizzes and silly games with the crew.

Little plug as we're having such a good time a #Potters #Holiday Resort this week. This is a family resort in #Norfolk which doesn't advertise, but relies on word of mouth and repeat visitors.

It's been going for 100 years with the same family running the place, and they've continued to invest in the site and facilities, rather than expand like similar British holiday camps.
https://www.pottersholidays.com/

1/n

Later on this evening I will sing a 60s duet with my father-in-law, in front of 800 fellow holidaymakers. This is the stage and video wall, viewed from the control box.

You will have gathered this is not my day job but it has become part of the annual holiday ritual.

https://www.theguardian.com/education/2023/aug/03/council-maintained-schools-in-england-outperforming-academies-in-ofsted-ratings

Well I'm *shocked*, shocked I tell you.

Headline: "Council-maintained #Schools in England outperforming academies in #Ofsted ratings."
Byline: "Research for Local Government Association renews questions over government’s ‘academisation’ policy."

When I was a governor a few years back there was a period where the Government were considering forcing all schools to become academies. We spend a significant amount of time going through the likely impact, which in our individual case would have been positive on paper, but discounted the benefits derived from being part of a wider, local educational community.

#EducationUK