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# 73-year-old great-grandad accepts creative writing holiday after GCSE success
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/great-grandad-accepts-creative-writing-holiday-after-gcse-success/
- Published: 2024-09-06T04:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:36:28.000Z
- Description: 73-year-old Danny Davey has been offered a creative writing and walking holiday in the Peak District after passing his English GCSE, 59 years after leaving school at 14.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Adult Learning, #article, Suffolk New College, HF Holidays, #Import 2026-03-16 14:46

**The big picture:** Davey's academic achievement has not only fulfilled a lifelong ambition but also caught the attention of UK holiday company [HF Holidays](https://www.hfholidays.co.uk/?ref=ipswich.co.uk), who invited him and his wife to a creative writing retreat in the tiny village of Thorpe, less than a mile from the famous Dovedale Stepping Stones.

![Danny Davey from Ipswich with his English GCSE certificate](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1725531806-danny-davey-with-his-certificate.jpg)

Danny Davey from Ipswich with his English GCSE certificate (Suffolk New College)

**Why it matters:** This story highlights the value of lifelong learning and shows it's never too late to pursue education or new skills.

**Key details:**

- Davey passed his maths GCSE in 2016 and has now added English to his achievements.
- He won a short story competition as part of his exam preparation.
- HF Holidays offered Davey a place on their Creative Writing and Walking Holiday in February.
- The retreat will take place at HF Holidays' own country house, The Peveril of the Peak, set in the rolling hills of the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border.
- Danny will join others in creative writing workshops, guided walks, and one-to-one sessions with a published author.

**What they're saying:** Louise Haywood, senior marketing manager at HF Holidays, said, "We're always looking for advocates of learning a new skill, trying something new for the first time, having that zest for life that Danny really has."

Davey said, "I never wrote until I started \[Suffolk New College\] in September last year. It's 59 years since I went to school. On seeing my GCSE result, I generally felt emotional. I'm amazed.

"Everyone needs a purpose – and there is nothing better than going back to learning.

"I am very, very grateful. It's maybe a first step to getting a little tuition in creative writing, which is my goal. When I was young I used to read a lot of short stories, and I always thought I'd like to do that one day."

**The bottom line:** Davey's story serves as an inspiration to others considering returning to education or pursuing new interests later in life. Enjoy the holiday, Danny!

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