Look who beached up – Friends re united!
The Oaklea Mission “To support and care for people and communities so they can learn, develop and thrive” – Bringing Kit & Jeff together again!
Here’s a truly heart warming tale for you involving two long standing friends….So sit back as we hear about how a simple plan came good thanks to a bit of patience and planning!
Friends Re-United
Over the years we have featured Kit from County Durham. For many of those he was supported by the lovely Jeff Smith. But since Jeff retired Kit has missed his presence…
Watch out South Coast -Kit now landing!
On retiring from Oaklea, Jeff moved to the South West – so for Kit seeing him wasn’t that straightforward. But Kit -empowered by our Support Teams- is ever resourceful and has just made the solo journey via Exeter Airport to see Jeff!
Life’s a beach….sure is!
Jeff Smith: “Thought it was worth mentioning that he flew down to Exeter unaccompanied and we collected him from the airport. We had a very enjoyable few days as you can see.”
Reminder of times past…
This is Kit (with good pal Kevin) with Jeff at their local Church back in 2018.
Jeff adds some context to the adventure: “The trip had been planned for some time. I retired from Oaklea in October last year and we moved down to sunny Devon in November .We kept in touch with Kit and there was always an invitation for him to visit whenever he liked. He had the option of train or plane and he would travel with ‘assistance’ (Support staff took him to the airport). However it was a no brainier because from Newcastle it took 1hr 5min (with a tail wind LOL). We live in Colyton which is a 30 minute drive to the airport and 10 mins to some lovely beaches. It was great to have Kit stay. He enjoyed himself immensely. And we were very impressed with his confidence to travel independently.”
Jeff also has a back story
This is from the Oaklea Annual Report 2018 – where he was recognised as Oaklea Volunteer of the Year!
This means so much
Paul Copley, Barnard Castle Team Manager, “Kit had a really good relationship with Jeff and really missed him when he worked with us in Barnard Castle. He was always keen to see Jeff again when the time was right – as Jeff had moved down south. He had mentioned that he would like to go and see Jeff several times – and was really excited and looking forward to it when it finally happened.”
Boat plane for the return to NE?
No – back via the airport not sea says Kit!
