February Books

February has been a dull month - ate a lot of comfort food and ended it filling my face with pancakes. I've heard of January blues, but February was tough for me with days of disappointment.

One thing I carried on was reading, and felt incredible about this month...

After deciding to take on the Popsugar reading challenge, I have realised I need to read 3 or 4 books each month. After reading 6 books last month as described here, I thought I might continue that success. However I picked slightly bigger books, so might be able to make it up in March.

1. A book that is a story within a story

Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
Cloud Atlas was utterly disappointing to me. 7 stories within a story and didn't take to one - I couldn't understand how they connected. There was one story with a slight take one flew over the cuckoo's nest. I'm impressed I finished the book, but I didn't understand it. It's probably not my kind of book. Anyone who has read it, can you please explain what happened?

2. A book set in two different time periods

The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Having watched the film and loved it, I was excited to give this a shot. I was not disappointed. I'm not usually one for love stories, but this wasn't a typical love story. It had magic, intrigue and drama. Clare and Henry meet in different time periods. She first meets him when she's 6 and he's 42, he first meets her when she's 20 and he's 28. There are some things that happen in the film that don't happen in the book and vice versa, but I still loved both in their different ways. I was a bit disappointed by the end. I don't want to give too much about what happens with the characters, but I will say I was disappointed that it went from 2008 to 2053. It would have been nice to know a bit about what happened in between that 45 odd years.

3. A book with career advice

The Zen of Fundraising: 9 Timeless Ideas to Strengthen and Develop your Donor Relationships by Ken Burnett
This one might be boring to many, but it is fascinating to me. I love fundraising - it is my one true love. Unfortunately on the way to the career path, it has broken my heart and rejected me more than once, but like any true love, you know you learn from it. Probably not the best analogy. I read a book telling you 89 principles of good fundraiser conduct, and advice to getting the best from donors. It describes the best things to do, and think every detail makes sense. I disagree that charities neglect donors like the author  makes out. My favourite passage is as follows:

"Learn twelve keys to world-class donor service.

• Be committed. You and your donor service staff have to really like donors and to be really committed to offering them first-class service.
• Be properly resourced. Customer service is something that shouldn't be done on the cheap. The service function needs proper planning and demands the allocation of sufficient resources. If you skimp you'll probably do more harm than good.
• Be consistent. Good service raises expectations. People need to know they can depend on certain standards of performance at all times, whenever needed.
• Be quick. Delayed responses irritate. Prompt responses please.
• Be appropriate. Tailor your response to your donors. Avoid waste and overindulging customers.
• Be personal. People like to be remembered and addressed by name.
• Be recognised. That way you'll increase your chances of being liked. This is where, as I've said elsewhere, you should publicise your nonprofit's service personnel and show their pictures. Stress they are there only to serve donors.
• Be meticulous. Keep first-class records, so you can act on these twelve keys and more.
• Be there. You can't go home when your donors need you. If a twenty-four-hour service seems over the top, at least operate a facility for voice messages. It may be that your organisation's service department will be in most demand in evenings from 6.00 P.M. to 9.00 P.M. If so, pay staff a bit extra to cover those hours.
• Be open and honest. Never cover up.. If your department or organisation have screwed up, say so quickly and explain it fully. Donors will love you for it.
• Be cheerful and helpful. Never let donors feel that asking is a trouble. That's what you are there for - to help them.
• Teach customer care to all your colleagues. I have never forgotten a simple piece of advice from the days when I sold advertising space over the telephone - smile and dial. When you smile while talking on the phone, what you are saying sounds much better at the other end. It really works. Try it. (Tell your colleagues first; otherwise they'll think you've gone mad)."

Now I can't decide which book to stick to, but reading the autobiographies: The Life of Lee by Lee Evans and I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai with Christina Lamb.

Let me know what you think. Have you read any of the books described? Are you doing a reading challenge this year?

Day 7 of Blogmas - 2017 Fundraising

My Mum said today that Christmas should be more about giving back, and I have to agree. So many people don't get to enjoy it because they can't afford to give or they don't even have a home. This isn't to guilt you, but to make you appreciate what you have and make you realise how important giving is.

As you might have picked up from other posts, I adore fundraising. I haven't done as much as I hoped this year, but I hope that will change in 2017. I always love to look ahead to new challenges and events in the new year, so thought this would be a fun post to encourage others too! I love so many amazing causes so have decided to list some amazing national causes and what they are doing. These causes are very close to my heart. Of course if you know me, I love charities so I found this immensely difficult to choose just 5 charities, but thought 100 might be boring!

I thought it would be best to say what events or challenges you can do with the following charities closest to my heart:

1. Samaritans
I love this charity so much for their continuous support of anyone in the UK struggling. It is amazing that charities like this are around for those in need. I believe everyone needs someone to talk to, and think we've all felt hopeless at one stage in our lives. Looking online, I didn't know that everyday, 16 people decide to take their life; they are there to help prevent.

There are so many events you can do for them including:
Brighton Marathon - 9th April 2017
London Marathon - 23rd April 2017
Edinburgh Marathon Festival - 27th/28th May 2017
London 2 Brighton - 27/28th May 2017
London 10,000 - 29th May 2017
Trek Canada Rockies - choose between dates: 10-18th June or 9-17th September 2017
Trek Iceland - choose between dates: 28th June-2nd July or 30th August-3rd September 2017
Climb Kilimanjaro - as you know, climbing Kilimanjaro is the best thing I've done to date, so encourage anyone and everyone to do it! There are various dates for this.
Ride London - Surrey 100 - 30th July 2017
South Coast Challenge - 26/27th August 2017
Thames Path Challenge - 9/10th September 2017
Great North Run - 10th September 2017
Berlin Marathon - 24th September 2017
Bournemouth Marathon - 7th/8th October 2017
Royal Parks Half Marathon - 8th October 2017
Cycle Vietnam to Cambodia - choose between three dates: 7-15th October, 11-19th October or 21-29th October 2017.
Skydiving - can be done in various locations and dates
Tough Mudder - can be done in various locations and dates
Spartan Race - can be done in various locations and dates
Zombie Evacuation Race - can be done in various locations and dates
Swim Serpentine - in London, but dates tbc

2. Childreach International

I first came across Childreach International while at university, and actually climbed Kilimanjaro for them. They work in countries to help children to fulfil their potential working to ensure they have access to education, healthcare and protection, they work with children, teachers, parents and the communities they work in.

There are a whole load of challenges you can do including: climbing Kilimanjaro (of course), Everest Base Camp, Great North Run, Great Wall of China, Amazon Adventure, London Marathon, British 10K, India on 2 Wheels, Euro City Cycle, Edinburgh Half Marathon, Great Birmingham Half Marathon, London to Paris Cycle, Edinburgh Night Ride, Machu Picchu and skydives. Check out their website to discover more about the charity, and how to get involved.

3. Maggie's

I look so miserable, but pictures sometimes scare me!

This is a charity very close to my heart. If you've not heard of them, they have cancer centre across the UK. They believe in the benefit of having somewhere for people affected by cancer to go to, which is beautiful and designed by architects. They are always built on the site of an NHS hospital, so that patients, relatives or friends can go to between treatments or to access support needed. The staff are fully trained professionals and included clinical psychologists, cancer support specialists, benefit advisors and Centre heads to manage the centre.

There are a whole host of things you can do for them, it is best to see what is going on locally with them as you'll find more tailored things, but here are the main ones they do to fundraise:
Virgin Money London Marathon - 23rd April 2017
Maserati Tour De Yorkshire - 30th April 2017
MK Superhero Run -1st May 2017
Edinburgh Marathon Festival - 27/28th May 2017
Moonwalk - working with Walk the Walk, they fundraise for this. This takes place in June in Edinburgh or London.
Culture Crawl - They've done Culture Crawl London for a while, but in the last two years, they've developed to do it in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, Liverpool, Swansea and many more cities. It is a great way to learn about a city, and support charity at the same time. It usually takes place in September or October.
Great North Run - 10th September 2017
Royal Parks Half Marathon - 8th October 2017
Skydive - various dates and locations in UK

4. RSPCA
I don't need to say much here. I just love animals - mainly dogs and cats, but couldn't imagine harming even a fly so hurts to think others do. We shouldn't need charities like this, people should be nice to animals. They also work to protect them from their environment such as getting trapped somewhere etc. I did do my skydive for SPCA which is the Scottish version of the charity. Not sure I have any pictures from that terrifying experience!

Their website doesn't tell you a great lot about what events are happening in 2017, but I'd suggest getting in touch with your local RSPCA to find out more:
Brighton Marathon - 9th April 2017
London Marathon - 23rd April 2017
Great North Run - 10th September 2017
BIG Walkies - I don't know much about this one, but it sounds really cool.

5. NSPCC
Who can't support a children's charity? If asked to name a children's charity, this is the first to come to mind. As a child, I might not have known my number, but I knew Childline (luckily I never used it, but it's amazing to know it's there). I believe I had a near perfect childhood, and feel every child is entitled to that. NSPCC work towards supporting to end cruelty, help support those bullied and generally support children when they need it most!

Here are some incredible events you might consider:
City Fine Wine Challenge - 23rd February 2017
Adidas Silverstone Half Marathon - 12th March 2017
Lapland Husky Trail - 17th March 2017
Brighton Marathon  - 9th April 2017
Brighton 10K - 9th April 2017
Virgin Money London Marathon - 23rd April 2017
London 10K
Isle of Wight Challenge - 29th April 2017
Tough Mudder - 29th April 2017
Yorkshire 3 Peak Challenge - various dates between 1st May and 30th October 2017
National 3 Peaks Challenge - various dates between 1st May and 31st October 2017
Machu Picchu Trek - 12th - 21st May 2017
London 2 Brighton - 27th May 2017
Edinburgh Marathon Festival - 27th May 2017
Great Mancester Run - 28th May 2017
Colour Run - 11th June 2017
Velo Birmingham - 24th September 2017

To find more events on NSPCC, check out the website here.

My top tips to raise or exceed your target:
1. Tell everyone you know - whether it's texting, posting on social media or writing letters to neighbours. I raised a lot posting online about what I was doing and even got £20 from a neighbour.
2. Get your work involved - while fundraising for Kilimanjaro, my work at the time helped so much! They helped me organise a quiz night, held a bring and buy sale in the staff room, sold cakes to the staff and people donated online. One person was even pregnant and held a "guess the baby weight". Remember it makes them look good. Employers look good to other employees and the public too!
3. Do what you enjoy - I love organising events so did a race night, date auction (valentine-themed) and of course the quiz night.
4. Sell online - I raised £200 from selling items online that people either gave me to sell, or I sold myself
5. Ask for help - friends and family always want to help and they all have their own ways.

For 2017, I would love to do a firewalk for charity, but haven't found a charity who do it yet. I'm desperate to do another challenge, I just don't know. Maybe another trek, and then it might help me lose weight too! Killing two birds with one stone, or whatever the phrase is...I'm tired!

Hope you enjoyed reading and feel inspired to give something back in 2017! Having done a lot of fundraising, I'm always keen to help people raise more for charities, so feel free to comment below or like and comment on the Facebook page.

If you missed yesterday's post on being a scrooge, and what I hate most about Christmas, click here.

Day 4 of Blogmas - Favourite Christmas Adverts ever!

Can you believe we're 1/3 into the 12 days of Blogmas? Feel free to look at the other Blogmas posts. Yesterday was all about Father Christmas - facts and traditions surrounding him. In case you missed it, feel free to click here.

Today was going to be a post all about fundraising and encouraging you take up a challenge in 2017. However, there is a lot to get through and feel if I tried today it might not be finished or as perfect as I want it to be. Instead I'm going to go through something that has got so many people speaking in recent years: the festive ads.

Here are some of my favourites in no particular order:

1. Polish Advert for a Polish Auction Site (2016)

You would need to be utterly heartless to not be touched by this advert. One of my friends shared it with me and I just loved it. It features an old man learning english and the reason why makes it truly beautiful. Click here to watch this interesting story.

2. Coca Cola

I couldn't do this list without including this brand. After all, they were the ones who marketed so well that they created Santa as we know today as discussed in my previous post. You can't help, but get wrapped up in the Christmas spirit when you hear the bells #Holidaysarecoming.The advert always used to get me excited because unlike other adverts, it didn't feature too early. After all, how adverts are non-christmas related at the moment? It has been like this since November, maybe October.

3. Irn Bru and the Snowman (2007)

As you'll know from many of my posts (especially in my recent post, 20 things I love about Scotland), I adore Irn Bru! I'm actually more excited for drinking some on Christmas Day than anything else. I may or not said, I suffer badly with things like acne and it often flairs  up when I drink fizzy drinks like irn bru so have been avoiding my favourite beverage. Since I have work early the next day, I won't be drinking anything alcoholic, but weirdly I don't really.

4. Yellow Pages - Mistletoe (1992)

This might have been made the year I was born, but I have seen it many times. It is such an adorable advert. Click here.

5. Budweiser - Snowball Fight (2005)

There doesn't need to be a warm fussy feeling, I love funny adverts too! Remember those horses doing a snowball fight?

6. Kellogg's Cornflakes - Waiting for Santa (1991)

What a lovely advert which captures the magic of Christmas. It also so happens to advertise one of my favourite cereals, which says a lot as a cereal addict! Click here to see this adorable advert.

7. John Lewis - Buster the dog (2016)

This year's John Lewis ad had to be my favourite from them yet. They are known for their amazing advertising, but to me this combines everything that's important in Christmas. The joy of giving, families and good humour. John Lewis have done some powerful advertising on the lead-up for Christmas, and have even got people excited to see their adverts. I also loved last year's advert, the man on the moon. It was powerful and promoted giving to charity, and thinking of others which are very important messages.

8. Sainsbury's - Mog's Christmas Calamity (2015)

I remember being transfixed in the story of this. It gave me goosebumps as it promoted the power of community spirit and coming together. Watch it here.

9. Marks and Spencer - With love from Mrs Claus (2016)

I adore this one! It demonstrates to me that behind every amazing man is a hard-working woman. It is lovely like any advert from M&S, whether it promotes their underwear or whether they seductively describe their food! Click here to see it for yourself.

10. WWF - #iProtectTigers Christmas Advert (2016)

I was unsure what to have as my 10th as there were a few good ones. Aldi had Kevin the carrot, which was ok but I would have only added it for it's other adverts such as these ones. I also thought about the impressive animation of Very. However as a previous fundraiser with a love of supporting charity during the festive period, I knew I had to promote WWF's recent advert. For anyone who hasn't seen it, it features a family caring for a tiger. I don't want to spoil it for you, but it is very heartwarming! Watch it here.

Let me know what you think, do you have any favourites that aren't here? Do you look forward to seeing adverts from any of your favourite adverts.

Blogtober16 - My Biggest Accomplishment

This blogtober post discusses my biggest accomplishment, and I think I can say without any sort of arrogance that I've been lucky to have quite a few already. At almost the age of 24, I've ticked off a few accomplishments including:

• Completing a bungee jump for a children's charity
• Gaining good grades in my GCSEs
• Going to college
• Graduating with an honours degree from uni
• Skydiving for a Scottish animal charity
• Climbing Kilimanjaro in aid of Childreach International

Sometimes it feels like I am bragging, or being arrogrant, so sometimes I try not to mention it. Some people I know might know I went to Africa, but not why. Apart from this blog, where I feel it's mentioned heaps!

By far, the one that sticks out and has effectively changed my life in more ways than I thought possible (I know it sounds cheesy, but it's true) was climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. I've visited a few places and ticked off a couple of important goals, but this is way up there. This post will describe my journey getting there, and what positivity the journey has bought to my life.

To get there, I needed to raise £2,500, which I was terrified I would never achieve. I'd done fundraising before but never raised anything close to that. I did it in a variety of ways from promoting my BT Donate page on social media, keeping people informed about what things I was doing to prepare and fundraise and many other things. I think I did 2 or 3 pub crawls, where I shaked my can at drunk punters and told them what I was doing. I also did a street collection in Dundee. I was impressed most of all with the support I got from working at BHS. They donated on my BT donate page, helped organise a quiz night and even hosted a bring and buy sale in the staff room. All stuff not bought were then sold on ebay or donated to local charity shops.

Me at work - doing an easter quiz night

I also organised a date auction around valentine's day, where I sold friends for dates. One friend got sold for £50! I sold a lot of my unwanted belongings on ebay and music magpie. I even organised a race night event with my best friend, Julie who was also climbing Kilimanjaro with me.

I gained a lot from doing it. It was worthwhile as it was my first experience of going abroad, and it was an 8 hour flight! Although I had gone on domestic flights before that, I'd never gone further than London. It also provided me with great sights, including visiting Tanzania town and seeing a little bit of Kenya. I loved being able to meet the children that my fundraising was benefiting in Tanzania. It also gave me something interesting to add to my CV and discuss with potential employers.

From there, I knew I wanted a career in fundraising. It has been difficult to work up the ladder, but know it is something I have a talent at. I will keep trying!

Since climbing Kilimanjaro, I have gone on to hold more events, work for a charity close to my heart, complete a bungee jump on my uni campus, organised a tea party at my house and volunteer for some amazing causes.

Just before my bungee jump...

I even got a certificate to commemorate making the descent. It is means mor to me than my honours degree! I had a new positivity, where I knew I could achieve things.Sometimes I think it might be the only good thing I do.

Here are my favourite photos from the trip!

It feels odd to discuss something you're proud of. Being British means ignorance of your own talents and focusing on the praise of others. That being said I'd love to hear of yours. What is your biggest accomplishment? You probably don't even realise just how amazing you are, so here I am to say you rock!

20 Things that make me happy

I've got a bit of joy to spread because yesterday marked a month of the blog, where I've had 1685 views (at the time of writing this). Long may it continue. In the spirit of numbers, here is a link to my most popular post: Sun, Fundraising and Good News.

Unfortunately I'm not happy all the time, and sometimes I'm not as positive as I wish I could be. I predict that is something that many people experience. Therefore I want to spread lots of positivity with this post with a list of things that I think make me happy:

1. Fundraising

Anyone who knows me will know that this is one of my biggest passions.

2. Meeting up with friends

Granted I don't have any friends on the island yet, and therefore this is not one I can do as often as I used to, it is still a big one.

3. Being greeted by my dogs

My dogs are always happy to see me no matter what! It's amazing to have.

4. Eating italian food

It is my FAVOURITE food to eat. I love pizzas and pasta most.

5. Going somewhere new to explore

I love adventures, but who doesn't?! I like going to new towns, grabbing souveirs and making memories

6. Writing this blog!

I'm glad I've decided to start writing again as I probably haven't written anything like this since I was in college. I've missed writing but not felt inspired for a while.

7. Trying a Indian

I love trying Indian curries (as long as they are mild). Naan bread is my favourite part of eating an Indian meal though!

8. Taking pretty pictures

I'm not always patient in doing so, and will often take many photos with my finger over the lense. However if you wish to see my most recent and the pictures I'm most proud of, check out my last blog here.

9. Doing something new

I'm always looking for something new to challenge myself, and ensure that I can have something to look forward to. Previously I've skydived, bungee jumped and climbed Kilimanjaro. Although I think I have more fear now, and have chickened out abseiling off the Forth Rail Bridge.

10. Watching Netflix in my bed

I love nothing more than sitting under the covers and watching a film or a favourite series on Netflix. Recently I've been binge-watching old episodes of Gilmore Girls. Did I mention that I'm excited for the new series coming out in November? I also watch Pretty Little Liars, Orange is the new Black and House.

11. Getting something in the post

Yes, I am aware that this is pretty sad but I actually love getting mail. I prefer a nice parcel from someone or something nice I've ordered, and even like getting the odd letter. The picture shows the BEST parcel I've received.

12. Going to the cinema

I don't do this often because if I'm honest I think films made are all similar in plots and genre. Although when I do, I love to sit, eat my popcorn and have a nice slush-puppy or something. I tend to buy some of items at the cinema because I don't go that often. In fact I've not been since Easter. The great thing is when I watch a film at the cinema, I actually WATCH it. While at home, I'm doing so many other things - searching for jobs, messaging people on facebook, texting people, checking emails, eating, doing my skin routine, you name it, I do it!

13. Getting kisses and cuddles from my dogs

Similar to number 3, I just love my dogs. Getting to hug them, stroke them and kiss their heads makes me happy.

14. Seeing live music

Unfortunately I don't do this as often as I wish I could, but love going to gigs and festivals. Last year I saw two gigs over one weekend. That was the best! I wish that happened more often...

15. Skpe with friends

This is a recent development after moving from Scotland, and most of my friends living there. I might not see my friends regularly but at least I can talk to them and see their faces. At the same time! Kinda the same...

16. Looking at travel websites

I've only been abroad twice, but am always wanting to visit somewhere abroad. Unfortunately I'm nowhere near able to afford it right now. It is my dream to travel around most of Australia and teach English in China or Thailand. I would love an excuse to walk the Great Wall of China too. Until then I will continue to just dream of it happening!

17. Painting my nails and toes

I'm not that good and often have chips in them after a few hours, but love painting them all the same. It makes me feel prettier, and therefore that inch more confident.

18. Lists

If you've not noticed already, I love lists and live by them! I'm always writing lists of what I want to do with my day. I am always forgetting things and writing them down helps. Writing this post, I've compiled three lists - a list of pictures I wish to add, obviously the list of happy things and my daily to do list.

19. Jewellery

I just love jewellery. I used to get most of my jewellery from markets and fundraising events I'd attended where I could get lovely handmade bracelets and what-not. Now, my collection consists mostly of bracelets, rings and necklaces that have been nicely bought for me.

20. Animals

I love seeing animals. Whether it's cows in a field, going to an animal sanctuary or a well-kept zoo.

I was going to write a list of 50, but who can think of that many? I know there are probably more, but this is as many as I could think of. What are the 20 things that make you happy? I'm sure there are more than you think

Sun, Fundraising and Good News

Ok, so I tried the daily posts, but thought that might mean not every post is as interesting as the next. Therefore I will be posting at least once a week, but aim for 3-4 posts in a week. I'm glad that I've stuck to blog-writing. From a young age I've loved writing, and english was always my favourite subject at school. I'm delighted to see that I've nearly had 500 views to the blog, and hope it will continue to grow. If you like the posts, feel free to share, follow and give tips on continued success. Enough of the blog housekeeping, and onto describing what was a lovely weekend!

So the good news!

I'd like to share that on a personal note, things haven't been ideal as I'm still not in permanent employment. However I've been lucky to not have one friend, not two, not three but four friends get engaged this year! Two in February, one in June and one this month. I'm also Maid of Honour to one and Saturday saw me become bridesmaid to a second. Over the moon doesn't seem to fit it. I'm so excited! I think I'm probably rivaling on the same excitement levels they might be feeling (probably not, but I'm ecstatic all the same). What could be more great than realising you've found someone you trust and love enough to promise to spend your lives together? It's very powerful. Most girls dream of their wedding day; not me. I always dreamt of being a bridesmaid. Not sure why. Maybe I never wanted the attention on me, but now I think it shows the ultimate honour as a friend. It shows that someone wants you to be part of one of the happiest days of their lives. Here are the announcement pictures:

Barton Manor

Yesterday I went to a fundraising event by Earl Mountbatten Hospice. As a fundraiser, I've been to many amazing charity events.I went thinking this will be a big family event for children on the most part, but left thinking it was great and that there was something for everyone involved. Here are my pictures from the day, and a little bit more about what was there.

These are some of the pictures I took of the beautiful scenery at the open garden event. We had a little walk around the grounds, but looking at the programme of things, they had English Heritage's historical tours of the grounds. It might have been nice to know a little more about the historic grounds, but I'm happy with the experience I had all the same! 

This was 19th year that Earl Mountbatten Hospice were able to fundraise with this incredible open garden event, which boasted a range of activities for kids including: children's arts, crafts and entertainment by Starlight Boutique and Creation Station IOW. There was much more for kids as well, but I also bouncy castle and balloon animals been made. Unfortunately my parents said that a woman, who has had Pimm's can't also ask for a balloon animal! Maybe I will have children on the false pretense that the animal is for them...

My parents argued that I was only there for the Pimms Summer garden bar. This was the first time that the garden bar had featured at the event, and think it was a big bonus as it added something nice for adults too. The two men who served added extra comedy to proceedings from joking that they'd sell the jug to us for £12 and the stirrer for £1. Only yesterday, but I've already forgotten their funnier jokes which had one parent in stitches! The Pimm's was lovely and the first time I'd tried it! (that I remember at least).

The event also included the Big Sing, which we weren't too interested in seeing as a family. I might have liked to see what the music was like, but not sure if it would have been my taste. It was led by acclaimed music director and choirmaster, Hannah Brear. Brear is known for her work with the BBC and with West End directors and individuals including Fatboy Slim and Russell Watson.

Earl Mountbatten can be admired for collaborating with other Island organisations, Haven  Falconry and the Donkey Sanctuary. The Donkeys were there and were loved by many children who queued to brush the donkeys. A big kid at heart, I loved to see this well-loved creatures and see how looked after they were by the Sanctuary. As I want to go to the sanctuary as I continue to learn about the island, I was delighted to see them.

Any of my friends and family will tell you that birds creep me out. I can't explain why. Maybe it's the fact that Aberdeen seagull attacked me for my sandwich, or the fact that I've seen the Hitchcock film, Birds. Either way I don't like them. I could think of nothing worse than holding them, but looking at and admiring the beautiful birds is great. I think it's something else that many children loved, but adults too! Here are pictures of the two owls and two birds they had.

The event had beautiful stalls inside the premises and outside. From pop-up shops, activities to get involved in and stock I suspect from the hospice shops. They also had the fun activity of encouraging visitors to add to a watercolour painting. You were then to sign it and make a bid in the silent auction. I got to do it, so the winner gets my beautiful signature from the person who nearly painted the house with blue instead of the sky. I've never been that good at Art! Annoying since I've always loved going to craft stalls, going to art galleries or doing arty things. It just doesn't amount to much when I get involved...

We ended the day with some lovely food from their BBQ and returned to the dogs who I missed. I'm not used to being at outdoor events and not being able to take them. I missed them!

The Hospice Major Event Fundraiser said prior to the event, "Barton Manor really has become a firm family favourite and has grown every year. This year looks set to be bigger and better than ever, so we are hoping that support from the Island community will be just as fantastic as usual." I can promise you it was! It was so great that I would encourage anyone on the island to visit the open garden as it is truly beautiful and all for a good cause. I know I want to go back next year. I've not heard if they have made the £10,000 they expected from the event, but will update the post with the total when I know.

Hopefully I can update you with more good news as I have two job interviews this week, and a few blog posts on films I've been watching to pop up.