A job done properly is a job well done?

During the winter months at the Centre, all is quiet and groups are not to be seen, just us folk who work the weekday shifts. Everyone is catching up on things they need to get done, and things slowly tick by. For me though, the deadline loomed, 5 weeks till the first group arrived on site, and I had a to do list of maintenance for the building as long as a novel (slight exaggeration) (it really wasn't an exaggeration ~Nathan).

As you may have gather from Nathan’s last blog post, I have spent the last 4-5weeks carrying out most of the maintenance on the building… from changing light bulbs to fixing door handles to poly-filling… and trust me, there was absolutely loads of that, the list was endless. Jan has deep - and I mean deep - cleaned everywhere, the place was spotless. The amount of painting she has done is surely not good for anyone, and could possibly turn the majority of us insane (though she did get some help from the rest of the staff in places, especially as time started to run out).

Now after a month and a bit of running round like a loon I can look back at all my effort and say that I'm pleased with what I have done. The building looks great, possibly the best I've seen it, and for now, everything works. Group are starting to come and go more regularly, and as the hustle and bustle of groups increases another deadline draws nearer.

The deadline that is the beginning of school season. In a little under 2 months my role of maintenance and outdoors worker will change to being one of the sites educational rangers/leaders. Nathan and myself will start leading groups and schools on activity sessions, with the help of Chris, who will be returning to the ranks to help with the chaos.

I love my job, and the majority of the things that I do (filling holes in dormitory walls is now not one of them), but I have to admit my favourite part of my job is school season. In no other job I have done do I get to have as much fun as I do here during the school groups. From the moment groups arrive to the time they leave it all great fun, whether its archery, shelter building or just a walk round the woods. Don’t get me wrong, it’s all hard work and the amount of hours you work a day increases. I’ve found myself still on site at 9pm or later, but it’s all worth it, and with out a doubt the amount of effort you put it shows with 1) how much the group/kids enjoy their visit, and 2) how much I enjoy their visit.

So, a job done properly is a job well done?

I would like to think so, or at the very least if you can say you have enjoyed it, you’re halfway there.

Robert Hooker

Maintenance Extraordinaire and Educational ‘Super’ Ranger.

Many thanks to Rob for his 'guest' post. Hopefully Andy will soon add his post, if I can cajole him into posting one... Andy is an A Rocha Intern, and our Environmental Officer. ~Nathan