Canuk organises family fun day to Southend-on-Sea beach on August 3

DIASPORA body the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK (Canuk) has arranged a coach trip to Southend-on-Sea beach on Saturday August 3 as part of its community bonding programme aimed at fostering togetherness.

In the second-ever such programme of its kind, Canuk has hired two coaches that will leave from Euston and North Greenwich stations in London at 10am on August 3. They will travel to Southend-on-Sea beach for the day and then leave at 5pm in the evening.

Toyin Balogun, Canuk's social secretary, said: "We decided on this initiative as part of a plan to get Nigerian families to bond. This will be a unique opportunity for Nigerian families to get together  as we have two coaches, each taking at least 50 people apiece.

"Canuk will partially subsidise the trip a little, so those who are members of our registered associations only have to pay £35 for adults and £15 for young people between the ages of three and 16. It will be free for anyone under three and payment will cover travel, a packed lunch, a snack and a drink."

Rose Graham, Canuk's publicity secretary, added: "We very much expect this to be a fun day, as it will allow us to enjoy the good weather while it lasts. All payments should be made into the Canuk bank account with account number 00224400 and sort code 301553, with people using their names as a reference."

This event is one of several social programmes Canuk's executive committee has lined up over the rest of the year. Others include a virtual independence day quiz session on October 1 and an end-of-year gala dinner on Saturday December 14.