NEWS,NEWS AND CHANGING VIEWS

It is some little while since last I settled to write a blog. The days have raced away and so much has been happening that it has been difficult to pin a beginning. Suffice to say that the journey has been extraordinary, as have been the people who have been the passengers and drivers.

So, where have we been? I will try to be succinct, but it was March when last I wrote. The spring may have been tough on the garden, but it did bring in a raft of new volunteers. Folk who were clearly up for it, people of all ages, some in their teens, others in search of new challenge and all have stayed. Many said that they just wanted to help, but didn’t feel that they had much to give. Most I hope now recognise that just being who they are was enough. What a difference they have made too, diversity of provision comes through support and the new team are covering many bases. Wood work is now offered twice each week, art and cooking at least once and recycling every day. We get spontaneous activities, music sessions from nothing and some days we even get to garden. The planned cabin is now above ground and is likely to be finished within weeks,the classroom gifted eight years ago by Shire Hall will this summer be swapped for a more modern unit

and the Butterfly meadow is flourishing and well used by students and neighbours alike. We have opened a second allotment, started to grow shrubs to sell on and have extended our catering plans by opening the café on Sundays.

The other astonishing part of the journey has been to do with generosity. People continue to send in money and gifts. From Freemasons Lodges and Rotarians, from Doctors surgeries and village committees, throughout G.C.H.Q and across the breadth of the county, someone it seems is doing or collecting something on our behalf.

 The astonishment is not do with the items or the amounts, but rather the consideration for the project.The combined services turned up with some surplus military clothing, moments after asking for knitting machines, one was delivered and Oakley Day Centre sent us over a foil baler to compliment our recycling provision.

 As we move through the summer,our tenth anniversary looms,the need for our project has never been greater.Each new arrival enriches our activity. The adventure is a rollercoaster ride like no other, breathtaking and a joy to all of us.

We send out a huge thank you to all those who continue to support.Please keep it up and do come and visit.

A great way to unwind

The video mountain continues to grow and we are currently holding around 12,000 in various stages of dismantle. It has been fantastic to be processing so many. We have had a slightly frustrating time with the tape itself, but have today received a confirmation from EMS who are based in Bristol and who are specialists in this material.  50 bales of tape will soon be on their way for recycling. The stripped tape,(we are advised) will be used in the manufacture of quilted jacket linings. Whilst I am not in the habit of celebrating the efforts of individuals, the dedication of Alistair Jepson has to be recorded.He has been the driving force with this initiative. He commits three days each week to the task, is meticulous in his work and presses all of his fellow volunteers to adhere to his high standards. It is very funny to watch him waving his finger at all who waiver.
We are still taking videos in,so do keep the word alive.
 On the subject of recycling generally,we are now taking in foil and are expanding our commitment to Aluminium. These materials are worth money to the charity and we continue to encourage organisations to collect for us. Canteens and cafes are a great source and we are soon to set in motion a partnership with Winchcombe School,who are keen to collect on our behalf. I would love to get a toe in through the door with one of our local factories or perhaps with G.C.H.Q.

Not that G.C.H.Q are not already supportive of us, they are indirectly, although they may be unaware of it. To be specific the Joint Services unit attached to Benhall have been sending in volunteers and over the last couple of weeks have applied their time and energies to clearing and restoring the brook that runs through the Butterfly Garden Meadow. It has been a dirty,smelly,hilarious entertainment for them and for us and the results are amazing. We send our sincere thanks to the team for their fantastic efforts and for their friendship.
The Spring is upon us, the numbers of students continue to grow, the new cabin construction works should start within in weeks and laughter continues to ring across the site.