The Browns - New Forest Gimme a Break

Ever wondered what it must be like to take control of the family

holiday? Well, wonder no more!

This is Gimme A Break, the show where the kids are in charge.

The kids have all the say. They decide where they go,

what activities they do, and most importantly, they're in charge

of the holiday rules.

Today's lucky family are going to get a break.

They're not the greens. They're the Browns.

10-year-old Rosie,

12-year-old Elizabeth,

bike-nut Mum

and skater Dad, otherwise known as the Badger.

CRASH!

So why do Elizabeth and Rosie need to be given a break?

We don't get a choice in the matter.

We just go where we're told to go.

We're the adults and we get to choose.

Mum can be annoying, cos she's always on the bike.

It is true I cycle at least a gazillion miles a week.

She's like a hamster in a spinning wheel,

going round and round and round... ..Mum, get a life!

-If Mum's not cycling, we're all walking.

-Yeah.

They moan about walking, but they do actually enjoy it.

They pull us up mountains.

There's mountain goats going "Baaa!" every five minutes.

They take us to war graves and museums about the war and stuff.

We make the decision and say, "We're doing this. You'll enjoy it."

Sometimes they do and sometimes they don't.

My ideal holiday would be something to do with horses.

-Definitely.

-I have a big problem with horses - a few weeks ago

I got chased around the stable yard by this big black horse.

We never really do anything unusual or different.

We all have fun on holiday.

But they have to be reminded of how much fun they're having.

Oh, Brown family. I'm seriously worried about your family holidays.

-They're not good, are they?

-No way!

-No!

-So, therefore, would you two

-like to take control of the family holiday?

-BOTH:

-Yeah!

Sure you don't fancy another trip away with bicycles?

-No!

-No, thank you!

OK, fine. Hands on hearts, please.

And read that out together.

We, the parents of Elizabeth and Rosie, hereby hand over control

-of the next family break.

-# Hallelujah! #

-Yes!

-Are you feeling a bit of pressure

-now that you're in charge of the holiday?

-No!

-No. ..And as for you?

-Oh, no.

-I'm a bit worried about this!

One look at your faces, I can tell you're not happy. All I will say is,

break that promise and there will be serious consequences.

Let's go and talk holidays. Come on.

-Now, your mum's bikes, yes?

-Yes.

-Forget about those.

Your family holidays are about to change, because you

-are in charge. Tell me what you want to do.

-Definitely horse-riding.

Do you think if you told her, "This is a horse-riding holiday,

"Mum, and we are in charge," she'd get on the horse?

She'd be gutted, but who cares?

Your parents reckon on holiday you two are dead lazy.

Because they make us do boring stuff.

We don't want to get up for long boring walks.

If you've got something to get up for, you'd be happy to get up?

-BOTH:

-Yeah.

-So just lots of biking, yeah?

-Yeah.

No!

Can we do that again?!

I've listened to what the girls want

and put together three amazing breaks for them to choose from.

But I'm not just going to tell them what they are. Au contraire.

They'll have to try to work out what's on offer by cracking

a selection of cunning clues.

Break number one's clues are in a farmer's field. Baaa!

There's eggs and sausages.

-Ooh arr!

-Ooh arr!

-The sheep are in the field over there.

-Yeah.

-It's something to do with a farm.

-Yeah.

-It's a bit cold.

-Tent pegs.

-It could be camping.

Mum would hate that.

-A riding helmet.

-Oh, yeah.

I think this break could be a farm where we have to camp and go riding

and work on the farm as well.

I don't think Mum will like it, because she doesn't like horses

and she doesn't like camping.

Well, it's lucky Mum's not picking the holiday then, isn't it?

Mind you, there's something fishy going on with the next clues.

There's something floating on the island. ..There's a horseshoe.

The horseshoe is definitely something to do with horses.

-Ah, she's a clever one.

-Shall we both pull it in?

-Yeah.

-What do you think?

-Somewhere hot that you can ride horses,

where it's got sharks. And it's probably an island as well.

Let's see if the girls can see the wood for the trees.

Time for their final set of clues.

It says Gimme A Break.

Follow the pony to get to the point.

-Pony? What?

-What pony? Where?

I thought the pony looked really, really daft.

It had really silly teeth and daft floppy ears. It looked so silly.

Where's the pony taking us?

An arrow.

Um, pans?

How random. I've no idea what this could be, personally. Do you?

Cooking show?

Maybe camping!

-Yeah, could be camping.

-With camping, you have to shoot animals

-to get food, then you cook them.

-No.

-An interesting theory, Rosie.

I'm not sure the pony looks too happy about that.

That's it, clues over. Have Elizabeth and Rosie

guessed the breaks on offer, and which one will they choose?

I think you had a good time trying to work out what your holidays are.

-BOTH:

-Yeah.

-Best moment? What did you enjoy?

-Pony.

-Yeah, the pony.

Yeah, the pony that was your mum and dad dressed up.

I have, written on this card and on this laptop, the three

breaks that I've picked for you. Because you went on about horses,

-every single break that I've picked has horses in it.

-Yes!

-Wow.

Break number one is an absolute animal fest.

Have a look at this. 'Time for some fun on the farmyard.'

Staying in a luxurious tent, you'll assist a Lincolnshire farmer

with the pigs, the horses, the chickens, the cows.

You'll even help welcome new baby lambs into the world.

A baaa-rilliant break.

So what do you reckon to break number one? We're talking animals,

tents, horse-riding.

What do you think? Talk to me.

-Wow.

-Great, yeah.

-You seem very excited indeed, Rosie.

-Do you want me to go on?

-We'll see the other two.

-Are you sure?

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

Check it out. Break number two takes you to Killarney on the west coast

of Ireland. Mum won't have the energy

to go for a bike ride once you've tackled a high rope course

and a massive cliff jump.

Oh, you'll also be horse-riding and dolphin-watching.

Yes, it was a dolphin fin, not a shark.

Let me tell you more about it.

You will go horse-riding on the beach.

-That would be just great, yeah.

-It'll be just the most amazing thing

with water on your face. It'll be great.

Mum'll be like...!

You'll go out on a speedboat, looking for dolphins.

-You don't think you'll ever do anything like that.

-I know.

Which way are you swaying at the moment?

Towards the first one.

I think I like the second one. I like them both, yeah.

Oh, I can tell there's going to be trouble.

-Want me to make your decision even harder?

-Go on, then.

Check this out. 'This break will be in the heart of the New Forest,'

where cattle and pigs roam freely and so could you,

on your very own pony-trekking adventure.

Also on the menu for this brilliant break, cooking lessons

with a professional chef and the chance to take aim

and become an ace archer, just like Robin Hood.

The green tights are optional.

Have you been pony-trekking through a forest?

-No.

-That'd be great for me. I've always fancied doing that.

Right. It's decision time.

Which of the three breaks on offer will the girls choose?

-Want to tell me which break you've picked?

-Break number three.

You've gone for the New Forest!

CHEERING

-What was it that made you go with that?

-The idea of riding

the ponies in the forest.

Before you go, I've got one last thing to tell you.

At the end of your break, you'll get the chance to play

for one last, very special treat.

However,

if you get the test that I'm going to set you wrong,

-your parents get the treat.

-We've got to win it.

So, the Brown family, who until now have always had holidays where

they've been dragged up mountains and forced to go on gazillion-mile

bike rides, are off to the New Forest,

which is actually not that new.

It was officially created by William the Conqueror in 1079,

as a hunting area. So it's time for Elizabeth and Rosie to take control.

But how will Mum cope without her bike?

I thought I was going to die!

And who will win the dream treat?

The Browns' New Forest adventure break is now just one day away,

and because Elizabeth and Rosie are in charge,

-it's up to them to do the packing.

-It's all cycling gear.

Ew! Nothing out of here is going in the suitcase.

I'm sure they'll find things that I wouldn't want them to take

-lurking in the back of my wardrobe.

-She can take these,

just so she can look like a fool.

They're bad enough packing a small bag for themselves,

full of useless, impractical junk.

Stink of Badger!

Pant time. Urgh!

SCREAMING

There'll be major items of mine missing - socks or something.

Is that too horrible to take?

Kept that one quiet, didn't he?

It might be good if they took something to dress

a bit smart in the evenings.

Well, we can make him wear this.

Well, you did ask for it, Dad. It's the morning of the break

and we've given the Brown family

the Gimme A Break fam cam to capture all those special family moments.

This is what I think of our new holiday.

It's going to be absolutely great.

Have I got chocolate round my mouth?

OK, now, Mum just bought that.

It is absolutely swedey.

In other words, yuck.

Stripes...

were so...last season, in last season.

I'm still concerned about my clothes.

By the look of the wardrobe, there's loads of socks and underwear

that have been taken, but next to no trousers.

And I'm also very worried that I haven't got a bike to ride

all of this and next week.

-Really excited.

-Yeah. I couldn't sleep last night.

The wait's finally over,

and the Brown family are whisked off to Chesterfield

train station. Remember, Mum and Dad still have no idea where

they're going. It's time the girls put them out of their misery.

-Go on, Rosie, tell them.

-OK. We're going to the New Forest.

-The New Forest?

-The New Forest?

Yeah. Sounds like tents to me!

I'm worried because I think the New Forest is overrun with wild ponies.

And you might have to catch one and ride one. I'm very worried.

So now that Mum and Dad

know where they're going,

and Dad's had a snooze, I wonder how they feel about the New Forest.

It's full of wild ponies. If we're camping, we might get trampled on.

The tents might get eaten or something, so I'm rather worried.

New Forest ponies have existed in the area for over 1,000 years.

Around 4,000 of us roam free in the New Forest.

After a four-hour journey,

the family finally arrive at their break destination.

Let's choose the best bedrooms.

Mum, Dad, go and get the bags. We're in charge.

- Get the bags? - Yes, get the bags!

Nice work, girls. Start as you mean to go on.

It's really heavy!

And after a quick look round... it's time to unpack.

Moment of truth, girls.

What have you packed for us for this holiday?

Tour de France T-shirt?!

-Your ugly, ugly hat.

-It's brilliant, this hat!

A bow-tie! Maybe we're going out for dinner.

Are you sure there's no cycling in this holiday?

-I'm sure.

-Yep. 100%.

What's this?

An antique silver waistcoat.

That'll come in useful when I'm horse-riding. No swimming trunks!

I'll have to find the darkest pair of underpants I've got.

I'll wear those for swimming.

SCREAM

Seven out of ten, girls.

The tie and the waistcoat, non-starter. No swimming trunks.

Five is the best I can do.

BOO-OO!

I think we did well on the packing. They were just annoyed

because we didn't pack what they wanted us to pack.

-Hi there, guys!

-Hi!

Listen. Now that you're on your holiday, I think it's time

for the Gimme A Break rules, decided by Elizabeth and Rosie.

-Ready?

-Yeah.

-Rule Number 1.

Mum, there are no bikes involved in this break at all.

You're not even allowed to talk about them, OK?

I think that will be a very hard rule to keep.

Rule Number 2.

Dad, the girls have had enough of you dragging them up mountains,

taking them to art galleries and museums and memorials.

Sorry, did I fall asleep, Dad?

That's because museums are not the girls' idea of fun.

Therefore, on this break, they're going to decide all the activities.

I'm not happy about it, but I'll have to go along with it.

They might have thought of something half-decent for us to do, I suppose.

And finally, Rule Number 3.

The girls can buy what they want, when they want, and they can eat

any food they like. Remember, Mum and Dad, the girls' word is final.

No arguments.

-We're in charge!

-And you've got to do everything we say.

So we're just going to be eating burger and chips all week,

-and we'll have no money left after the first day.

-Take a chill pill!

All right, guys. Have a fantastic break.

Enjoy yourselves, and I'll be back later on

to tell you about the all-important treat. See you soon.

Bye!

The hardest thing overall is going to be the general

feeling of lack of control.

Not to talk about cycling, I think I'm going to find impossible.

HOOTER

And Mum's not exaggerating, as she immediately breaks Rule Number 1.

Get off!

-Mum!

-Get off!

I'll take this.

That's it. No bikes! No!

And we all know what happens when you break a rule.

You have to face the consequences.

We saw you on that guy's bicycle,

so we're going to confiscate the TV out of your room.

Yes, and that's going to be bad for Badger, well Dad, as well.

So my secret cycling has meant

that Dad can't watch the television in bed?

-Yeah.

-And neither can you.

We can't put it on here. Do you know why?

Dad, come and sort this TV out.

It's early on day one, and the girls have got one thing on their minds.

Quick. We're going horse-riding today.

I can't wait for this.

Dad? What are you wearing?

You packed it, so I'm going to wear it.

-OK.

-Right.

I'll probably be the stupidest-looking rider

out there today, but I don't care.

I'm up for it. They've set us up for this, so let's get on with it.

I guess it's our fault for packing his bow-tie and suit.

-So it's up to him really, what he wears.

-Yeah.

I fancy something small, like a donkey, but I'm a bit worried

they might have reserved something like a carthorse or a Shire horse,

with big hairy hooves and a bad temper.

This should be interesting.

Mum's never ridden before and is afraid of horses!

I can smell the fear.

It's very tall.

The seat is above that lady's head! The one behind's even bigger.

It feels very high. It's a long way off the ground.

-Don't be nervous!

-It's fun, Mum.

-It's supposed to be fun, this?

I'll tell you when we get back.

I think I'm all right as long as it doesn't move.

Unlucky, Mum, because it's starting to move now!

-Going downhill a bit.

-Nice horse...

-Lean back, Mum.

I think this is probably the best ride I've had, ever!

Mum's doing great, considering she hasn't ridden.

She looks really calm and she looks like she's enjoying herself.

It's been nice doing something that the girls really enjoy.

On the upside, they haven't moaned at all today.

Well, they haven't, Mum, but what about you?

My bottom is getting very sore!

I think they've been surprised at how much fun we've had,

because I don't think they expected it to be quite as easy as that.

DAD: I think the outfit was great, really.

It set me up like some great Victorian horseman for the day.

I think it really helped.

They kids did well choosing this gear for me, yes.

After a three-hour trek, Mum makes it back to the stables in one piece.

Oh! I'm walking like this now.

That was everything I thought it would be, and I love this pony.

Yes, it was great. I really enjoyed that.

Mum, you're walking like you've pooed yourself.

She is as well! But don't worry, Mum.

I'm sure the girls have thought of something to take your mind off it.

Mum and Dad, how's the saddle sores?

My bottom's still a bit sore,

but we're ready for what you've got lined up next for us.

We're going to a water park!

A water park?

A water park? Oh, no!

Fun for all the family?

If it says it on the sign, Mum, it must be true.

The person that's definitely going to scream the most is Mum.

Because she's always the screamer.

I can't believe that I was worried about going on horses,

at the thought of being dragged around behind a speedboat

on a rubber ring.

OK, hold tight!

-That was absolutely terrifying.

-That was great! Again, again!

-I thought I was going to die.

-Who wants to go on the banana now?

-Me!

-Hey!

Does anybody not want to get wet?

Unlucky, Mum. You're outvoted.

< How was the water?

Cold!

That was the best thing I have ever done,

and it was the most fun thing I've done in ages.

We had to work as a team to keep it together, but we lost it in the end.

-But it was brilliant.

-It might have cured Mum's saddle sores.

It's frozen parts of me I didn't know I had.

It isn't something we would normally do, but it was great.

It is really good being in charge!

It sure is, especially when you get to drag your parents

around a theme park that's been opened just for you and your family!

-I'm too small to go on this ride!

-I'm too small for for this ride!

I'm crying!

Can we do that again?

Uh-oh. Looks like Dad's spotted one of his boring museums.

And it looks like he can't resist it!

That is a blatant rule-break if ever I saw one.

HOOTER

-Dad!

-Forfeit time!

-You've broken Rule 2, no boring museums.

This museum's not boring. It's fun!

Yeah, fun it might be, Dad,

but you'll be facing a forfeit in the morning.

I wonder what the girls will dream up.

Come on, Dad. Forfeit time!

Of course, it's the old tie round the head in a big inflatable ball

on a swimming pool forfeit!

Not seen that one for a while. Or ever, for that matter.

I don't think I'll break the rules again!

Midway through the family break, I think that Mum and Dad

are finding it a little difficult to stick to the family rules.

I think we should have a little competition.

And, if we win, what do you think?

-We get to break a rule.

-Hmm.

-All right, then.

-But if you lose, you do a forfeit.

OK.

You've got to get it in the target.

Shut up, you lot.

Ohh!

It looks like advantage Mum and Dad

but can Elizabeth get the girls back in it?

Well, done!

Going for gold.

Nice one, Dad.

Oh! Mum and Dad have thrashed Rosie and Elizabeth six arrows to two!

I wonder which rule Mum will break.

Can I take this one?

See you, kids.

-It ruined everything.

-I know.

It's the final day and there's just time for one more activity -

the family cooking lesson.

All aboard!

But first, they have to buy the ingredients.

And how did the girls choose to travel? By horse, of course.

-Thank you very much.

-You're very welcome.

That's the food bought.

It's time for the Brown family to get suited up and into the kitchen.

-Did you get everything?

-Yes.

-Good. This is your dinner this evening.

We're going to do bruschetta, a cassoulet

and we're going to play

with some pancakes at the end.

Let's cook.

That's the main dish done, guys.

Probably, the best bit was making the pancakes.

Oh, cheers!

Rosie was the worst pancake-maker. She completely messed it up.

I've done it wrong.

Try that one again.

Brilliant. You've all done a great job.

Thank you very much. I think you deserve to sit down now,

and we'll present it to you as your meal.

We had a lot of fun in the kitchen

and it was really nice for us to cook together.

At home they don't do much cooking, apart from a bit of baking.

Excellent.

It's been really nice, all the family being together,

cooking and taking part.

I think it's made the meal nicer as well,

for us all to all eat it together afterwards.

Hey!

It's almost time to return home

but the fun on this family break's not even near being over,

because Elizabeth and Rosie have the chance to win a final treat.

OK, guys. It's treat time. I'm about to ask you three questions.

Get two of them right and you win the treat.

Get two wrong and

your parents will take to the skies, in the Gimme A Break helicopter.

-Are you ready?

-Yes.

-OK.

Question one.

What did your mum say was the worst activity of the break?

-She said Ringo Rides.

-Yeah.

-Oh!

Yeah, she said Ringo Rides.

Because it was cold. Yeah, Ringo Rides.

-Are you sure?

-Yeah.

This is what your mum said.

The worst activity for me on this break had to be the Ringo Rides.

-They were horrific.

-Yes!

-Hurray!

Good work, girls. OK, get this next question correct

and you're up in the Gimme A Break helicopter.

Get it wrong and your parents are back in business. Question two.

How did your dad describe Rosie's pancake?

Disaster!

"Oh, that is terrible!"

Girls, I now need your final answer.

B, a disaster.

You're saying B, disaster.

Here's what your dad said.

If I had to sum up Rosie's pancake it would be one word,

-it would be "disaster".

-Yeah!

Shoo, shoo!

Hug!

I love this.

The flight was really, really good,

experiencing something I'd never done before.

I'm gutted, really. What about you?

Yeah. I was looking forward to the helicopter ride.

I think the Gimme A Break experience has been wonderful for our family.

It's brought us closer together.

We've done things we wouldn't have done before

and I would be open to doing more things again.

Taking charge with all the rules,

that was just awesome.

Perfect end to a perfect holiday.

Yeah!