A group of nearly 50 family members and friends have returned to the region for their 21st visit to Big 4 Taunton Farm Holiday Park in Metricup, where owners Rob and Julie Saunders and staff “provide a second to none holiday”, according to one of the campers.
John Churchman spoke to the Mail on behalf of the large group, which began as just four couples and their children over two decades ago.
“When we first visited the park it was only four or five years old, and it is wonderful to have seen the changes and growth of the place over that time,” Mr Churchman said.
The original group of Diane and Mike Symonds, John Churchman, Anne Churchman, Sue Churchman, Bill Churchman and Lorraine and Stuart Mackenzie returned the following year and have been doing so ever since.
“We have been coming back ever since that first year, every Easter, and now we have our grandchildren and extended family with us.”
Mr Churchman said the group had an affinity with the South West having shared ancestral history in the Carbunup area.
“Our grandfather Charles Churchman came out from England and had a property on Chain Avenue, there is a plaque in the town noting his contributions to the area,” he said.
The Churchmans grew up in Bunbury and now reside in Perth, where they depart each Easter for their annual southern holiday.
“The great thing about the park is what they have done for the kids over the years, the extra mile they go to for that special memory,” Mr Churchman said.
“There was the old hay rides, we have the Easter egg hunt where they throw the eggs off the back of the ute, there’s campfires and animals for the kids to feed, it’s just wonderful.
“This weekend we had 49 people in our group, which would have been larger had some others been able to attend.
“We love it so much and we’ve already booked for next year, we always keep the same booking each year and we all really look forward to coming down and spending some time in the area.”
The extended family spend their days at the park, or visiting favourite spots around the region, including an annual gathering at The Berry Farm.
“We also visit the towns and spend time in Cowaramup and Margaret River, and over to the coast.”
Park spokesperson and the Saunders’ daughter Mindy said the park was proud to host the group each year.
“At Taunton Farm we love our return guests, and this group has never missed a year, they are here every single Easter, it’s just fantastic,” she said.
“This particularly group have been coming to the park since I was a small child so I’ve grown up with their visits, it’s a great connection to have with our guests.”
For more information on Big 4 Taunton Farm Holiday Park visit www.tauntonfarm.com.au
Nicky Lefebvre
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
