“It was great to have a group of 12 of us developing a special bond and appreciating one another's uniqueness. Having meetings, hearing testimonies, exploring Jerusalem and Tiberias in evenings and having fun together.

Everything was so well organised.

The ministry of David was excellent; a most kind, able, compassionate man who led our meeting times so well, passing on his Biblical knowledge with sincerity and understanding. He was a most encouraging person.

The itinerary/excursions were excellent as we covered a lot of the country seeing amazing and wonderful places.

I think I found visiting Church of St. Anne very moving as when full of people singing their praises to God (including our tour) the whole building was filled with such a beautiful sound. Quite awesome!

I found the time at the baptismal site at the Garden Tomb very special.

Christine Campbell, Israel, September 2011

Rotating Image Gallery © DavidTurner.info

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a Christian to come on a Richmond Holiday?

No, not at all!  Richmond is delighted to welcome all people - whether you profess a Christian faith or whether you are just thinking about Christianity or indeed if you are decided against faith. 

Am I financially protected?

Yes, one hundred percent!  All holidays booked with Richmond are 100% financially secure.  As a member of TTA - the Travel Trust Association - all your money is placed in an independent Trust Account until you return from your holiday.  So by definition your money is fully protected. Full details available click here

What is "Christian" about these holidays?

Firstly, all our staff teams are Christians and they meet around the Word and pray every morning.  Secondly there's a Pastor/Teacher on every holiday whose role is to organise a short Morning Prayer Meeting and the formal ministry meeting each evening at which there is ususally singing, prayer and a shortish Bible talk.  The Pastor/Teacher is also available at times during the day and evening for individual conversations, informal counselling and prayer.

Must I attend the meetings?

No - it is your holiday and these are purely optional!  You choose exactly what you do each day.  Usually most guests will take part in the evening meetings (which last about 45 minutes or so, before Dinner) but there is no pressure to do so.

I have special dietary requirements

That is no problem.  In our ski resorts (and Austria in the Summer) we employ our own Chefs and we have muich experience of providing for your specific needs.  In the Summer hotels we can pass on your requests but it is sometimes not possible in Greece and Turkey to cater for every requirement.  Please ring our team at Sunrise House and we will do everything we can to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible.

How long has Richmond been going?

Richmond Holidays was started in November 2007 by Jeremy Smith and Ben Turner.  Richmond took over the ski programme from the insolvent MasterSun and in the process rescued around 800 holidays, honouring the deposits which had been paid and would otherwise have been lost.  Richmond Holidays is based in Kingston upon Thames and is now a full member of the Travel Trust Association.

Where did the name "Richmond" come from?

During the weekend when Richmond started and had only hours to set up a ski season from a standing start as well as establish companies in England and in France, one decision was the name.  Running round the local park early on the Sunday morning, names like Kingdom or Grace holidays were dismissed, but the name of the park - Richmond Park - gave inspiration to the company name!

What is Sunrise House?

Originally the company was operated from the "Games Room", formerly a Garage, at the home of Ben & Clare Turner.  It comfortably housed six staff, desks, pcs, the network, filing, copier and tea and coffee equipment!  After three years the opportunity came to move to new offices, which are near the town centre of Kingston upon Thames.

Who owns Richmond?

The parent company Richmond Holidays is wholly owned by Ben and Clare Turner.  However the trading company, Richmond World Holidays Ltd, is just over 50% owned by the parent company and the rest is owned by around forty friends, supporters and guests of Richmond.  The first Annual Meeting of Shareholders was held at Sunrise House in April 2011.  There are a number of shares still available for purchase  - please enquire to the company if you are interested.

Who runs the business?

The Chief Executive is Ben Turner, who founded the business with long standing prayer partner, Jeremy Smith.  Clare Turner (not Ben's daughter as a number of guests have suggested) is also a full time Director.

What is the accountability structure for the Chief Executive?

Over a year ago an Advisory Board was set up, to which Ben reports.  This meets quarterly and is chaired by Non-Executive Director, Nick Dale, who also acts as the Non-executive Finance Director.  Other Non-Executive Directors are Peter Grange and David Fullbrook.  Eileen Fletcher also sits on the Advisory Board.

Are you MasterSun?!

This is indeed a question we get asked alot.  The answer is yes and no!  We are very proud indeed to have taken over the MasterSun holidays, database, the important Gap Year programme, the name, ski programme, principal summer resorts and have been able to continue the provision of these outstanding Christian holidays.  We continue to give thanks to God for giving the inspiration to Bob & Jill Fleming for creating these holidays around 25 years ago. 

What happened to MasterSun ?

Sadly the first MasterSun went into liquidation in October 2006.  The second MasterSun was wound up in June 2008, having changed its name to Crimson. 

Are there ways I can support Richmond?

Yes indeed!  The very best way for ensuring the continuation of Quality Christian Holidays is two fold ~ firstly by prayer and we issue a twice yearly Prayer Letter;  secondly, by coming on our holidays and by recommending us to your family and friends, churches and house groups.  We have a database of Church Partners who receive mailings about 3 or 4 times per year.  Please contact us for more information.

OTHER QUESTIONS

If you cannot find the answer to your question here please feel free to telephone on 020 3004 2661 or email info@richmond-holidays.com

 

Richmond World Holidays Ltd, Sunrise House, 133 London Road, Kingston, Surrey, KT2 6NH

Tel: 020 3004 2661 Email: info@richmond-holidays.com

Registered in England No 07058425.

© Copyright Richmond World Holidays Ltd 2012