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Happy Fourth of July everyone but this year is tinged with sadness as we say farewell Melissa, fly well, and the Land of the Charity.

We look after each other in the world of travel.

And nobody has encompassed that more than Melissa Tilling, founder of Charitable Travel.

Our paths would cross the most in specific places… in Germany at their travel fare and at the American convention IPW.

Mission from Mel

It is too sad to think that we will never see her warm smile again.

It is, of course, hardest for her family and our sympathies go out to them.

They will know and we hope that it is of some comfort that Mel was truly loved by her friends… and customers in travel.

Now Mel said it better than any of us in the mission statement for Charitable Travel.

‘We work tirelessly to energise and galvanise the support of the travel and tourism industry, and the travelling public.

‘To raise tangible financial support to communities in travel destinations that depend on tourism revenue.

‘But have little support when that income is threatened or extinguished by events beyond expectation.’

Do your bit

So when customers book a holiday or cruise, Charitable Travel sacrifices travel agency commission.

And holidaymakers can make a free five percent donation to their choice of registered charity.

Now there is obviously no hierarchy of need.

But clearly the Caribbean is in the eye of the storm.

And CARE UK, who partner with Charitable Travel, are leading efforts in the emergency.

The beauty of Charitable Travel’s approach is that we all help through our custom so don’t feel the hit.

Florida for the family

For the day that’s in it, July the Fourth, and channeling Mel’s love for the States we pick out a US offer from Charitable Travel.

CT has two weeks in a self-catering family holiday villa, the Villa Cardinal, at Windsor Palms Resort in Orlando for October 9-23.

From £1332pp based on eight sharing.

Villa Cardinal houses four bedrooms with three bathrooms over one storey and pool and games room.

And most importantly Disney World is just a 13-minute drive and Universal Studios a half an hour away.

A wonderful trip

Hat’s the boy: Davey Crockett and Bandanaman

Which brings us to a gesture of generosity from Mel on the way back from San Antonio.

When she spotted me in the hotel lobby driverless and chasing my airport connection she asked if I wanted to share her Uber.

Of course she would not think of me sharing the cost of the ride.

So today, the Fourth of July, we say Farewell Melissa, fly well, and the Land of the Charity.

By pledging to the Charitable Travel Foundation and ramping up our promotion of Mel’s charitable, sustainable and ecological vision.

Ya dancer, as they say in these parts, they’ve only gone and preserved Neverland, thanks to the Pan’s People of Dumfries.

For those living under the misconception that Neverland was a figment of JM Barrie’s (or Michael Jackson’s) imagination.

You might be surprised to learn that the land that time forget is a small historic town in south-west Scotland.

More associated with Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns, who lived and died here.

The House of Pan

But it was here at Moat Brae House that Barrie recalled in his own words was ‘the genesis of that nefarious work… Peter Pan.’

Where this son of Kirriemuir, Angus, played as a Dumfries pupil with the schoolchildren of the house.

And explored and made up games in the garden.

Moat House has had a chequered history since Barrie was here, and was almost lost to social housing.

Before a dedicated group of bibliophiles saved it for the next generation of readers.

My wordsmith day job colleague Julie among them.

The shadow of Peter

Moat House is right up our street where fantasy meets reality and Peter Pan was born.

And you can sit at the dining table with Barrie and his school friends.

And help catch Peter’s shadow and even put on a costume and star in a play of your own.

Moat House is also the home of the National Centre for Children’s Literature.

Where programmed events, exhibitions and displays are tied in with new book releases.

Of course the aim is for all children to explore the world as Barrie had,

And at Moat House you don’t have to go far to see it in all its glory.

In the Neverland Discovery Garden.

Where they tease that you might find among the towering trees and flowerbeds crocs, pirate ships, mermaids and more.

Pay a flying visit

Now Dumfries, an hour from Edinburgh, is one of Scotland’s hidden literary treasures.

Where a town of just 30,000 boasts heritage from two of Scotland’s, nay the world’s, great storytellers.

Why not pay a flying visit then on your Scottish holiday or short break and become one of Pan’s People in Dumfries?

Moat House is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

Adults £10, children £7, toddlers £4, students and senior citizens £8 and garden only entry £3.