Jane Bedenham, 62, from Evesham, Worcestershire, has been visiting Whitemead Forest Park in the Forest of Dean with her family for more than 25 years. Situated just 50 miles from her home, the holiday park has become a cherished tradition for Jane and her relatives, who consider it a “second home.” The journey began in 1999 when Jane first visited the park with family friends, Graham and Cath, embarking on a tradition that has now spanned three generations.
Jane’s connection to Graham and Cath runs deep. Having lost her mother at the age of 13, she found in the couple parental figures, with Cath affectionately referring to Jane as her “daughter.” Their first trip to Whitemead left such a strong impression that the family had already booked their next visit before leaving, a pattern that has continued every year since.
Over the years, more than 40 friends and relatives from across the country have joined the family holidays, many of whom Jane has encouraged to experience Whitemead for themselves. With families increasingly dispersed across the UK, the annual break provides a valuable opportunity for loved ones to reconnect beyond major life events like weddings or funerals.
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“Sadly these days, if you don’t have something like this booked in, sometimes the only time you catch up with people is at weddings or funerals,” Jane explained. “This is the one time when everyone really tries to get together.”
Jane’s two sons, Jack (34) and Oliver (30), have been part of the tradition since childhood, attending their first holiday at the ages of seven and three respectively. Oliver, who now works as cabin crew and travels worldwide, never misses the annual trip despite his jet-setting lifestyle.
“He gets to travel all over the world, but he still never misses Whitemead,” Jane said. “There was never an age when the kids didn’t want to come.”
A key part of the park’s appeal comes from its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia. With limited mobile phone reception, the family can disconnect from the distractions of modern technology and social media, allowing them to fully engage with each other. Jane describes the experience as “permanently feeling like 1999,” capturing the spirit of togetherness and memory-making from that time.
The tradition, started by Graham and Cath, holds special significance for Jane following their passing in 2015 and 2022. She is now considering placing a memorial bench at Whitemead to honour the couple who initiated this enduring family bond.
Over the years, the family has established their own traditions, including a Saturday barbecue regardless of weather and an annual adventure golf tournament featuring a prize pot. Jane recalls a particularly challenging year when it took her several attempts to get her ball across a water obstacle, effectively ending her chances of victory.
The unpredictable British weather has never deterred their plans; whether snow, rain, or heatwave, the family adapts and makes the most of their time together.
The surrounding Forest of Dean enriches their experience with encounters of local wildlife such as deer and wild boar, bringing delight especially to the younger family members. Jane treasures memories of organising Easter egg hunts for the children and now watches as the next generation begins to create their own.
Two years ago, the park became particularly significant when Jane fell seriously ill with sepsis during a visit. Thanks to the swift actions of park manager Ben, who she has known for a decade, she received urgent medical care, an experience she describes as frightening but managed with the support of the familiar environment.
“It’s your worst fear to get poorly away from home, but this is our second home and I owe them my life, really,” Jane said.
Reflecting on the enduring nature of their tradition, Jane hopes the legacy of their annual gatherings at Whitemead will continue for many years to come, celebrating family and the memories they make together.
“As the family continues to grow, I think Whitemead will keep being the place we return to. It’s about being together and making memories, and hopefully that will carry on for many, many years,” she concluded.