Age UK Norwich Bridges Generations with Heartwarming Gorleston Day Trip

On Wednesday 21^st May, Age UK Norwich hosted a truly memorable intergenerational day trip to Gorleston, with thanks to the generous support of the Countering Loneliness Innovation Fund (CLIF), administered by the Norfolk Community Foundation. Five enthusiastic school children and two teachers from Lakenham Primary School joined Age UK Norwich clients for a day filled with laughter, sunshine, and seaside joy.

The adventure began at Notcutts Garden Centre, who kindly provided their car park as a convenient meeting point. From there, everyone travelled to Gorleston, eager for a day of seaside fun.

All enjoyed a delicious lunch served at The Cliff Hotel, where guests had a choice of classic fish and chips, a chicken burger, or a warming vegetable curry.

Following lunch, the group headed to the seafront. The children were thrilled to race to the beach and paddle in the sea, their joyful shouts and energy brightening the entire shore. 9-year-old Jazmine had never been to the beach before and she told us she “loved going in the sea and sand and getting ice cream.” Lillierose, also 9, added, "I enjoyed the time there because it helps relationships with the other people, and I would love to do it again!"

Whilst the children played, Age UK Norwich clients relaxed at a nearby seaside café, soaking up the sunshine. A former teacher among the clients shared, “I’ve really enjoyed spending time with the children, which was so special for me.”

A particularly poignant moment occurred when a client expressed a heartfelt wish to feel the sea on her feet again, something she hadn't experienced in many years. Determined to make this wish come true, the Age UK Norwich team quickly sourced a specialised beach wheelchair. Before long, she was beaming with joy as she dipped her toes into the sparkling water. She later shared her profound gratitude: "Thank you for enabling me to paddle yesterday. I had looked forward to seeing the sea on the trip you organised, but I never imagined I’d get to do that. I’m beyond impressed by how much time and effort you both put in to make it happen. It meant so much to me — and as the grin I still have on my face shows, you’ll both always be part of a very special memory for me. You are superstars!"

The day concluded with everyone enjoying a refreshing ice cream before being transported home by the incredibly helpful Simon from Marretts Chariots. The bus journey back to Norwich was filled with happy chatter and smiling faces, a testament to the wonderful memories created.

Just a week later, we returned to Gorleston for the second of our two-part coastal outings, this time with a group of 17 clients. Once again, The Cliff Hotel warmly welcomed us, and with the sun shining, we were delighted to enjoy our meal on the terrace, soaking in both the delicious food and the stunning views.

Following lunch, we took a leisurely stroll down to the beach. Clients relaxed with their feet in the sand, enjoying the sunshine and each other’s company. Naturally, we couldn’t leave without one last treat – ice cream on the seafront, bringing smiles all around.

These two trips truly captured what it’s all about: bringing people together, mixing generations, and sharing plenty of laughs and special moments along the way. We’re already looking forward to planning more days like these – because sometimes, all it takes is a bit of sunshine, good company, and a day by the sea, leaving the most lasting memories.

Age UK Norwich extends its sincere thanks to the Norfolk Community Foundation, The Cliff Hotel Gorleston, Notcutts Garden Centre Norwich, and Marett’s Chariots for their invaluable support in making these special day trips possible.