Back in 2021, Denise Fitzgerald was selected to attend Widows Week for the first time. This was her account...

After luckily being selected for the ‘Widows Week’ down in Hayling Island the time was getting nearer to depart.

Having to attend somewhere on your own again without your husband was a daunting thought. It was however something we needed to do to move on and very grateful for the opportunity.

On arrival on Monday afternoon at Sinah Warren we were greeted by Andy (Barlow) and Pat (Donnachie). They introduced us all and made us feel at home. (I couldn’t help wondering what they had done to deserve having to spend a week with 7 widows!!)

We all soon got to know one another, having a good natter and trying to remember each other’s names. Having one thing in common and understanding what each other was going through very soon we were chatting like we were good friends.

Tuesday morning after an early but very nice breakfast we all ventured out on our arranged Vineyard Tour. The weather was awful, Andy however had assured us that he had ordered sunshine and it would be there for when we arrived at Hambledon Vineyard. Sure enough just as Pat was parking, the sun appeared like someone had waved a magic wand! This was surely an omen of what was to come?
We had a wonderful afternoon with our guide who showed us the very interesting working background of the winery. After of course all that was left was to indulge in the complimentary wine tasting. We were invited inside, served cheese and biscuits and offered several wines to taste. The view looking over the rolling hills of vines made it a very relaxing afternoon.

Wednesday the Pat and Andy had another exciting day planned. They had arranged for a visit to Stansted House, which is a country house on the border of Hampshire and Sussex. As well as a lovely tour of the house they had organised a super cream tea on the rather large terrace. We talked, laughed and reminisced while looking out over the extensive grounds and out to sea. The sun was shining down on us as we enjoyed the sandwiches and scones. The whole atmosphere was very relaxed!

As we ladies chatted some admitted that they were very apprehensive and a little worried about venturing away on their own, for some it was the first time since losing their husband? Soon some of that worry disappeared and everyone relaxed and enjoyed their time away. The group of people we were together with all had different lives and stories to tell. The one thing though we all had in common was being a Blesma widow It would be a new way of life we needed to get used to.

Pat and Andy had been working hard in readiness for our arrival and organising our activities. Their hard work hadn’t stopped there. From the minute we arrived nothing was too much trouble for them. They watched and cared for each of us making sure we were looked after and content.

The Thursday was another great morning with us all booked in for a spa treatment of our choice. After being spoiled with a lazy morning all that was left now was a little shopping trip down to GunWharf Quay.

Sadly Friday has come all too soon. We have all made new friends, exchanged phone numbers and hope that we will all get to see each other again in the near future.

Warner’s, Sinah Warren has been amazing. The food, staff and rooms have been faultless. Our biggest thanks however goes to Blesma who made this happen.

Denise Fitzgerald