Annual family holiday grows to over 100 in tribute to the family patriarch
IF planning your family summer holiday can be a bit of a logistical nightmare, spare a thought for this lot.
The Gigg clan yesterday began their 45th annual get-together in Westward Ho!, Devon – more than 100 of them, some having flown in from as far afield as Mozambique, Thailand and the US.
The gathering has taken place since 1969 on the same campsite, which they book a year in advance.
The tradition was started by family patriarch George Gigg, who died in 2009, and has been continued by his ever-growing family.
It started as a way for grandad to see his extended family, and it just grew
Among those joining this year are 85 of his direct descendants including five of his children, 27 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
Partners of family members take the tally past 100. Mr Gigg’s granddaughter Christine Greenfield, 60, from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, said: “It started as a way for grandad to see his extended family, and it just grew.
“We all get along, and it’s like one long party for the younger children.”