Works Weekend 2007
Once again tools were dusted off, catering organised (thanks Brian & Sheelagh!), and invitations were sent out in preparation for our third annual Works weekend.
Tony HB and Tony W along with Steve spent weeks beforehand concocting lists of jobs they were going to inflict (!) on our unsuspecting volunteers, though we were convinced that there was no way that we would be able to improve on the amount of work we have done in previous years. How wrong could we be! We had more volunteers than ever and they brought with them a sense of fun and enjoyment that made the whole weekend an event not to be missed!!
Before the work began in earnest, quite a number gathered on Friday night at the Centre for a hot supper. Tony W shared with those present some thoughts on a common theme that is behind everything we do here at Viney Hill; and that is the strong sense of community felt by the staff team. We really feel we have been joined in this ‘community’ by a large contingent of other people who make the work here possible. Trustees, instructors, suppliers, volunteers, and those who pray for us, all join us in this community and, we feel, are vital to achieving the aims of the Centre.
So, early on Saturday morning fuelled by a fantastic breakfast prepared by Brian & Sheelagh, a team of staff and volunteers assembled to be allocated jobs. The inside of the camping centre received a much needed coat of paint, new benches were made for the fire pits, a new canoe store was started, paths were laid, ton after ton of gravel was wheelbarrowed to various sites around the Centre where willing volunteers waited to rake it into place! Two teams re-dug the camping centre fire pit, and dug a new fire pit near the Old Vicarage which means that groups staying in the house will be able to have bonfires for the first time this year!
At various times during the day we downed tools and trooped off to be fed by Sheelagh and Brian who had taken up residence in the Old Vicarage kitchen. They provided hot drinks, snacks and some fantastic meals to keep the workers fuelled up and ready to work. Not only that but an amazing roast turkey dinner on Saturday evening that after a long day’s work was appreciated by everybody.
Also (much to the delight of the administration staff!), Martin and Caroline Thomas arrived at the Centre ready to network our office computer system and provide internet connection for the Cross Meadows Camping Centre and the Old Vicarage; after two days hard work on their part, our office was dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st Century!
As the weekend drew to a close there was a general feeling of satisfaction at how successful the weekend had once again been. As we all packed away tools, washed out paint brushes and contemplated hot showers to relieve aching muscles, there was a real feeling of accomplishment at what we had achieved, but also a very real sense of the community talked about at the beginning of the weekend. The staff team here know that we are not alone in the work that is done here; we are surrounded and supported by a wide range of people with amazing skills and talents that they are willing to share with us. So from everyone here at Viney Hill thank you to all of you for the time and effort you put into the projects we undertook. See you next year!!!!!
This article was posted at 09:02 on 28th February 2007
