July 19 - Day 97 - the stream had grown up, so that it was almost a river, and, being grown-up, it did not run and jump and sparkle along as it used to do when it was younger

As 47% of the staff are not in work today for a variety of reasons, you will understand why this is going to be a quick blog.

Having looked at the rota and identified when I can develop my sandwich and cake making skills in the kitchen over the next few days, I have then provided an introduction to the Centre for the new volunteers who are starting with us next month.

Explaining what a special place the Centre is, is both the easiest and hardest part of my job. I can with passion and enthusiasm explain so much about what we do and what support we give, but capturing the essence of the values, ethos and foundations of that support is hard until you’ve felt it for yourself.

AA Milne also wrote in Winnie the Pooh, “How do you spell 'love'?" - Piglet. "You don't spell it...you feel it." . In the same way, much of what we do, you have to feel, rather than explain. It’s those feelings, embedded in the fabric and the foundations of the Centre for the past 30 years that have helped it to grow. There is also something addictive and life-affirming about them, such that many of our volunteers, staff and supporters stay with us for many years. It’s also why I am determined to complete the £4500 miles and raise as much money as I can to continue to help the Centre to grow and to be.

So, I will end with another quote from Winnie the Pooh, ‘It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn't use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like "What about lunch?’ Seems like a good idea to me.