A Portishead Tradition As Cludo Club Returns for 39th Year with Free
Gordano Valley Church has once again brought joy, connection, and creativity to local families this summer through its beloved Cludo Club – a free holiday activity programme that’s been running for an astonishing 39 years.
This year’s nautical-themed “All Hands on Deck” event ran from 29-31 July 2025 at St Joseph’s Primary School, drawing children, parents, and volunteers from across the community. With 80 children attending and 52 volunteers (including 12 teenagers) Cludo Club was filled with laughter, crafts, games, stories, and shared memories. Morning sessions included storytelling from the Bible, songs, sports, and themed activities in small groups. Each afternoon, families gathered for picnic lunches and continued with team challenges, archery, ball games, music workshops, and more.
The theme of ‘All hands on deck’ extended from Bible stories about Jesus calming the storm and walking on water, to fish and boat-related paper crafts, and even a session on water-safety, supported by materials from the RNLI.
“Cludo is something I look forward to every year,” said one child.
“I love everything – I just can’t choose!” added another.
A parent reflected: “It’s wonderful for me to see my children enjoying something I loved as a child.”
On the first day, GVC also partnered with Martha’s Kitchen to provide lunch for 175 children and parents. Martha’s Kitchen is a program that provides free, healthy breakfasts and crafts for children, particularly those with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), during the school holidays.
Becky Gardner, who was the lead organizer for Cludo Club, said, “We had a fun and energetic three days at Cludo this year with lots of engaging activities for children in the mornings and additional fun for families in the afternoons. The children particularly enjoyed the music, drama, craft and sports. It was great to see them making new friends and
feeling supported by our volunteers. We’re all looking forward to next year and showing God’s love to Portishead in this way again.”
Cludo Continues: Lido and Trains Add to Summer Adventure
The fun didn’t end with Cludo Club. Families reunited on Tuesday 12 August for Cludo Swim at the Portishead Lido, and again on Thursday 21 August for Cludo Trains, where almost 60 families picnicked and enjoyed unlimited miniature train rides at Ashton Court – again, all completely free.
These events were organised and funded entirely by volunteers from Gordano Valley Church, motivated by a desire to bless Portishead families and share the love of Jesus in tangible, joyful ways.
“My children love it and talk about it all year round,” said another parent. “The volunteers are so kind, and the atmosphere is lovely.”
A Church with Open Arms – And Open Invitations
Gordano Valley Church wants the community to know: Cludo is still going strong – and it’s more than a summer club. It’s an expression of the church’s heart for Portishead. Every craft, song, and team game is part of sharing the love of Jesus in action.
As a next step, families are warmly invited to Cludo Sunday, a special edition of the church’s family service on Sunday 14 September at Gordano School’s Main Hall (starting with breakfast at 10:30am, finishing at 12:00pm). With music, stories, activities, and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a great way to reconnect and get a taste of Cludo all over again.
Read more Bristol News at https://directlocalbristol.co.uk/bristol-news/
