2016 is shaping up to be a funny old year. I read on line that so far this year, 35 well known celebrities have passed away. It seems that hardly a week, or sometimes even a day, goes by without hearing of another person passing away. The passing of Victoria Wood really affected me and made me think, as she was only 2 years older than me. But this has made me even more determined to keep on making the most of my life, and doing as much as I can, for as long as I'm able.
A couple of people I know, have recently commented that they love reading my blogs and miss them when I don't. This came as a complete revelation to me. I'm really pleased, but a bit surprised, that anyone is interested in what I get up to. I'm just having fun. I was also chatting to a friend who was having coffee at Cogges with someone I didn't know. My friend started telling her companion about all the things I do and remarked that she didn't know how I fitted it all in. I may not get paid, but I certainly do seem to fill my time. But what can I say? I love a challenge.
Along with volunteering at Cogges, I'm currently studying towards a BA in Humanities with the Open University, as well as writing my blog and singing with the choir.
Volunteering at Cogges certainly keeps me on my toes, but I wouldn't have it any other way. My duties used to be, feeding the three farm cats, five days a week, other volunteers feed them at the weekend, before I'm accused of animal neglect, and once or twice a week, manning the Welcome (ticket) desk and shop. Last year I added being a Downton Tour guide and story teller to my CV.
This year, so far, I've added nursery rhyme singing to the list.
During the February half-term, I led some nursery rhyme singing sessions which were very well received, especially when I had the children performing Sleeping Bunnies and Dingle, Dangle Scarecrow, with actions. Then on Easter Monday I read the Tale of Peter Rabbit followed by a repeat performance of Sleeping Bunnies but singing Little Peter Rabbit instead of the scarecrow song. I was asked to do this again a week later on the Wednesday. The Easter Monday sessions were quite well attended, but the following Wednesday, I couldn't do Sleeping Bunnies for health and safety reasons, as the room was jam packed with little kiddies and their parents and/or grandparents, there was barely room for the kids to stand, let alone jump around.
The Downton Abbey tours are also going really well. Much to my delight, I've been applauded at the end of my tours and even given tips, of the monetary kind that is, not advice. I love doing the tours as I get to talk about two of my passions, Cogges and Downton Abbey. We recently had 2 tour groups, totalling about 80 people, arrive around about the same time. There were meant to be 3 of us to do the tours, but someone didn't turn up. It was quite a challenge, but with a bit of organising, we managed to cope and sent them all on their way, happy and saying how much they'd enjoyed their visit.
Finally, it looks like my birthday celebrations are probably going to go on all year. I've already booked my Popstar Experience and once that's done, I'll see about booking the simulated skydive experience. Somehow, I'll try to fit in my studies, and I'm definitely looking forward to having a break over the summer.
Well, I can't sit here writing all day, I've got things to do and people to see. You'll probably hear all about it in my next blog.
Photos courtesy of:-
Isabel's own plus:-
2016 https://www.facebook.com/Powerquotes-770222523110316/?fref=ts
Dingle dangle scarecrow http://ow.ly/4mYCmz
Old lady https://www.facebook.com/ShutUpImStillTalking/photos
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