Behind Every Great Trip — Meet Alice Holmes – Social Events Organiser
Our trips organiser Alice has been planning adventures for Sandbach U3A members for 14 years. We caught up with her — and there are some very exciting visits on the horizon.
Alice, how did you first get involved in organising trips?
I volunteered to join the trips team about 14 years ago, when the group mainly organised theatre trips. Over time, other members of the team gradually stepped down — and I just carried on organising the trips I enjoy.
Most people probably think it’s a matter of picking somewhere nice and booking a coach. Is there more to it than that?
There’s a lot more involved than people realise! I start by contacting venues, getting prices and availability and arranging coach quotes. Once everything’s confirmed, I get the trip listed on our accounting system, advertise via posters and the newsletter and send out payment requests. Then come the questions and enquiries — by phone and email — along with cancellations, refunds and any price adjustments needed.
I also try to choose a variety of trips that suit the different interests and abilities of our members. Its important for me to make sure that anyone travelling on their own feels warmly welcomed, so nobody feels left out.
Which trip has been your favourite?
So hard to pick just one! Two that stand out are the Flying Scotsman and the paddle steamer Waverley — both were unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. There’s something special about a trip that simply can’t be repeated.
Has anything ever gone memorably wrong?
Fortunately, nothing too dramatic! The biggest issues have been the occasional member feeling unwell on the coach or at the venue — but thankfully nothing too serious. And I haven’t left anyone behind yet!
What makes a trip popular with members?
To be honest, all our trips have proved popular, which is always lovely to see. I think the key is variety — something for everyone.
What do you think members get from a group trip that they wouldn’t get travelling on their own?
It’s a great way to make new friends, enjoy a wonderful day out, and learn something new along the way. The social side is just as important as the destination.
What’s coming up that members should look out for?
The 2026–27 programme is being finalised now. It will include a return visit to the ever-popular Llandudno, and a brand-new trip to Skipton — taking in the market, the castle, and afternoon tea on a barge. That one’s quite special. Three visits to The Liverpool Empire are already organised and are filling up fast
Is there a dream trip you’d love to organise one day?
As far as I’m concerned, every trip is a dream trip! Ideas come from the members as well as from me — so if anyone has a suggestion, I’m always listening.
A taste of what is to come in 2027:
Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella swaps the ballroom for wartime London, where a chance meeting between Cinderella and a young RAF pilot blossoms into a night to remember — before the Blitz tears them apart. A moving tribute to the resilience of a city under siege, told through Bourne’s inventive, wordless choreography.
Four guys from Jersey who found a sound nobody had heard before and became an international sensation — on stage, the harmonies were perfect; off it, the story was rather more dramatic. Jersey Boys tells the rags-to-riches tale of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, packed with the hits: Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Walk Like a Man, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You and December 1963 (Oh What a Night). This 20th Anniversary tour has already picked up 65 major awards and been seen by over 27 million people worldwide.
Vivian and Edward: two unlikely souls who find each other, and themselves, against all odds. Pretty Woman: The Musical brings the much-loved film to the stage as a joyous, feel-good love story, with an original score from Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance and direction from two-time Tony winner Jerry Mitchell. All the warmth of the film you know, seen in a whole new light.
See you soon