After a couple of weeks of intensive study in Reading we set of on a whistle-stop train tour of the UK.
First stop was in Burnham-on-Sea to visit Vanessa’s mum and dad for a couple of days. We were lucky to be there for the amazing carnival which trundled along the main street one evening. The brightly lit trucks were fantastic – take a look at some of the video clips on the Burnham-on-Sea website.
Next we headed into Wales where we visited a few of Vanessa’s friends. From there we headed north and east to Darlington to visit my mum and catch up with other family members I haven’t seen for a while.
I had been very proud to be contacted by a scout group from my old home area, who wanted me to be their “Young People’s Champion” – someone who inspires the youngsters. They had arranged a weekend of fund-raising to help pay for a much-needed new Scout Hut. We went along on the Saturday evening to see local band Oily Bum Print play, and on the Sunday evening I gave a talk for the Staindrop Scouts and their parents.
We sold books to help with the fund-raising efforts. There are still a few left, and they make ideal Xmas stocking fillers at just six pounds – with all money going towards the new Scout Hut.
Contact Jacqui on 01833 630370 to get hold of a copy of “7 Simple Steps to Goal Achieving Success” for a bargain £6. There is a newspaper article about the event here:
A visit to Scarborough was next on the cards, where time with my old friend Bruce and his family was as chaotic and fun as ever.
Birmingham next for the final part of our TEFL course.