Daydreamer, sitting on the seat, soaking up the sun . . .
So, summer has finally decided to make an appearence :) This makes me happy because it means lots of reading my book in the sunshine in the garden and getting sunburnt (not so good).
And at the moment I am doing lots of reading
I have just finished: The Catcher In The Rye - JD Salinger and Passion - Louise Bagshawe.
And I am currently reading: The Jungle Books - Rudyard Kipling, James and The Giant Peach - Roald Dahl, Scouting For Boys - Baden-Powell and Animal Farm - George Orwell.
And I have just ordered Life of Pi - Yann Martel.
If anyone has any books to reccomend, speak now :)
A couple more St John Ambo duties since the last post; one at Fontwell Racecourse and one at Shoreham Airshow. and another couple of footie games at the Amex coming up. Finally got a new small hi-viz jacket, so now It doesn't look like a dress on me!
I have recently purchased myself a Syphgmomanometer and stethoscope, and have been taught how to take blood pressure manually. Now just to practice . . . . . any volunteers? :P
over and out
Holly xxx
Sunday, 16 September 2012
Thursday, 2 August 2012
Spejdernes Lejr 2012
(Translation of the blog title: "Scout Camp 2012")
On the 18th of July this year 14 explorer scouts, 1 scout and 5 leaders set sail for 'Jamboree Denmark 2012' (and I mean that quite literally as we travelled by ferry). 18 hours later we arrived in Esbjerg on the coast of Denmark. After a two hour drive we reached our destination; Holstebro EKU (scout hut).
We stayed in the EKU for the first 2 nights, then walked to the scout camp.
The camp was HUGE! Just to give you an idea of how big it was, it took us 1 1/2 hours to walk around half of the camp. There were 36,000 scouts/leaders on the camp. We had an on-site hospital with a surgical unit, and two helipads for the helicopter ambulances.
On our pitch on the campsite which was allocated to Ellebæk scouts, we had 135 people staying (Our explorers, scout and leaders; the Danish beavers, cubs, scouts, explorers, network and leaders; and the FDF).
Due to fire regulations (3m gap between clusters of tents) we were unable to pitch Ben and Gordy's tent as there was limited space. So they shared with Jon and Steve and I shared with Cheese, Maria, Lotte Nichlas, Emil, Camilla, AM, Maja and Daniel.
There were some very impressive pioneering projects around the campsite, some pictures below:
Some of the things we did were a flash mob in the centre of Holstebro town where we were given a radio and some heaphones and we just had to do what we were told- actions such as `mooing`whilst walking down the high street; building a human pyramid; dancing to music played to us on our personal radios; lying down in the middle of town to listen to a story read to us on our radios. etc.
There were lots of very late nights spent in `The Wild Rover` (the on-site pub) and in true scout camp tradition lots of ´burning the candle at both ends´ with wake-up calls as early as 5.45.
One of the major benefits of having the camp in the home town of all my Danish friends was the ability to completely avoid the camp showers. Instead I simply walked to one of my friend´s house for a shower.
One of my Danish Friends Niklas was in charge of an activity that translated as the `love trombone´ but ´love shack´ was the nickname given to it. He held sessions of speed dating there in the evening, and they had a stage with with lots of good music late into the night.
One evening we had an hawiian themed adult party which began with a picnic, with 9 Calves spit roasted (bearing in mind there were 6000 adults there) photos below:
After we had eaten there was another concert at the main stage.
On the wednesday night there was an International Campfire in which we were asked to perform a typically English scout song, so we chose the Bumblebee song. I´m sure there will be a video of us peforming it on youtube before long!
One of the last activites we did was a trip to the local beach for an activity called ´Baywatch´. To my dissapointment The Hoff was not there, instead it was just a chance swim in the sea, play volleyball and fall asleep on a beach (the latter of which there is a photo of me- thank you explorers!)
On the last night of camp we had the closing ceremony which was entirely in Danish but luckly a translation was being simultaniously broadcast on the radio. Once the first part of the opening ceremony was over, we were told that there would be a second half following shortly. About 15 mintues later, ALPHABEAT walked on stage and performed for us late into the night! See below:
Once the camp was over our scout/explorers and leaders were dispersed for home hospitality and I stayed with my friends Emil and Flavia. The following evening we had a BBQ/goodbye party at the FDF hut, and after one last sleep we departed for England.
Keep Smiling
Holly
On the 18th of July this year 14 explorer scouts, 1 scout and 5 leaders set sail for 'Jamboree Denmark 2012' (and I mean that quite literally as we travelled by ferry). 18 hours later we arrived in Esbjerg on the coast of Denmark. After a two hour drive we reached our destination; Holstebro EKU (scout hut).
We stayed in the EKU for the first 2 nights, then walked to the scout camp.
The camp was HUGE! Just to give you an idea of how big it was, it took us 1 1/2 hours to walk around half of the camp. There were 36,000 scouts/leaders on the camp. We had an on-site hospital with a surgical unit, and two helipads for the helicopter ambulances.
The Camp
On our pitch on the campsite which was allocated to Ellebæk scouts, we had 135 people staying (Our explorers, scout and leaders; the Danish beavers, cubs, scouts, explorers, network and leaders; and the FDF).
Due to fire regulations (3m gap between clusters of tents) we were unable to pitch Ben and Gordy's tent as there was limited space. So they shared with Jon and Steve and I shared with Cheese, Maria, Lotte Nichlas, Emil, Camilla, AM, Maja and Daniel.
There were some very impressive pioneering projects around the campsite, some pictures below:
The Eiffel Tower
The Spiral Staircase
Some of the things we did were a flash mob in the centre of Holstebro town where we were given a radio and some heaphones and we just had to do what we were told- actions such as `mooing`whilst walking down the high street; building a human pyramid; dancing to music played to us on our personal radios; lying down in the middle of town to listen to a story read to us on our radios. etc.
There were lots of very late nights spent in `The Wild Rover` (the on-site pub) and in true scout camp tradition lots of ´burning the candle at both ends´ with wake-up calls as early as 5.45.
One of the major benefits of having the camp in the home town of all my Danish friends was the ability to completely avoid the camp showers. Instead I simply walked to one of my friend´s house for a shower.
One of my Danish Friends Niklas was in charge of an activity that translated as the `love trombone´ but ´love shack´ was the nickname given to it. He held sessions of speed dating there in the evening, and they had a stage with with lots of good music late into the night.
One evening we had an hawiian themed adult party which began with a picnic, with 9 Calves spit roasted (bearing in mind there were 6000 adults there) photos below:
On the wednesday night there was an International Campfire in which we were asked to perform a typically English scout song, so we chose the Bumblebee song. I´m sure there will be a video of us peforming it on youtube before long!
One of the last activites we did was a trip to the local beach for an activity called ´Baywatch´. To my dissapointment The Hoff was not there, instead it was just a chance swim in the sea, play volleyball and fall asleep on a beach (the latter of which there is a photo of me- thank you explorers!)
On the last night of camp we had the closing ceremony which was entirely in Danish but luckly a translation was being simultaniously broadcast on the radio. Once the first part of the opening ceremony was over, we were told that there would be a second half following shortly. About 15 mintues later, ALPHABEAT walked on stage and performed for us late into the night! See below:
Keep Smiling
Holly
Saturday, 26 May 2012
So an update is needed I believe...
oh, what's occurin'?
Well, firstly there's been a few more St John duties to talk of. There was another footie game at the Amex, this time on a much smaller scale; the Fringe festival in Brighton; and another duty where we had two young identical twin girls who had a condition I have never heard of:
'Reflex Anoxic Seizures'.
This means that if one of them gets a shock eg. a loud noise, then they collapse and their heart stops. However, it occured to me whilst daydreaming at this duty, that if one of the girls had a shock and their heart stopped, would that be enough of a shock for the other twin that her heart would stop too? So we could have two casualties?... these are the kind of thoughts that fill my head whilst on duty. :P
So onto the next news I have just embarked on a level 3 qualification in 'Principles of End of Life Care' which is intriguing and very relevent to my current employment. So I have thrown myself into it and am almost halfway through. :)
I have always taken a interest in programmes on television that follow the emergency services (especially Ambos). More recently I have endevoured to catch 24 hours in A&E as it shows many emergency situations and the remedies - fascinating stuff!
In other news, Lucy and I have ticked another visit off our list today: Lewes town and castle. Coincidentally, it happenes to be the day that Lewes castle commemorate the Battle of Lewes with a family day and samba band at the castle. - so lots of people around, but still lovely. After the visit to the castle, Lucy and I had lunch in a riverside cafe and did some people watching. Photos of the visit below:
I have other, most exciting, news which I am unable to discuss on the interweb at present, until it (hopefully) becomes official. Watch this space...
Keep smiling all! :D
Well, firstly there's been a few more St John duties to talk of. There was another footie game at the Amex, this time on a much smaller scale; the Fringe festival in Brighton; and another duty where we had two young identical twin girls who had a condition I have never heard of:
'Reflex Anoxic Seizures'.
This means that if one of them gets a shock eg. a loud noise, then they collapse and their heart stops. However, it occured to me whilst daydreaming at this duty, that if one of the girls had a shock and their heart stopped, would that be enough of a shock for the other twin that her heart would stop too? So we could have two casualties?... these are the kind of thoughts that fill my head whilst on duty. :P
So onto the next news I have just embarked on a level 3 qualification in 'Principles of End of Life Care' which is intriguing and very relevent to my current employment. So I have thrown myself into it and am almost halfway through. :)
I have always taken a interest in programmes on television that follow the emergency services (especially Ambos). More recently I have endevoured to catch 24 hours in A&E as it shows many emergency situations and the remedies - fascinating stuff!
In other news, Lucy and I have ticked another visit off our list today: Lewes town and castle. Coincidentally, it happenes to be the day that Lewes castle commemorate the Battle of Lewes with a family day and samba band at the castle. - so lots of people around, but still lovely. After the visit to the castle, Lucy and I had lunch in a riverside cafe and did some people watching. Photos of the visit below:
I have other, most exciting, news which I am unable to discuss on the interweb at present, until it (hopefully) becomes official. Watch this space...
Keep smiling all! :D
Saturday, 21 April 2012
Ducks On The Pond and Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Just a short post while my first attempt at a 'Pineapple upside down cake' is baking in the oven....
We have a swimming pool in our garden, which remains filled but not chlorinated through-out the winter months. So the water turns green and nasty and resembles a pond.
This spring we are unable to fill the pool with clean water because of the 'Hosepipe ban'. So the pool remains a pond for the time being.
And to that end, we have resident ducks! We do not know where they come from, although having thought about it, probably the 'Swiss Cottage', a local pub with ducks in their garden.
Our ducks visit almost daily, and we have one female and four males. The female always comes to visit, the males take it in turns. Sometimes we have two males, sometimes three or four.
The other day I took a video of our little friends, but for some reason I am unable to upload it here.
On the bright side, the pineapple upside down cake was a SUCCESS!
We have a swimming pool in our garden, which remains filled but not chlorinated through-out the winter months. So the water turns green and nasty and resembles a pond.
This spring we are unable to fill the pool with clean water because of the 'Hosepipe ban'. So the pool remains a pond for the time being.
And to that end, we have resident ducks! We do not know where they come from, although having thought about it, probably the 'Swiss Cottage', a local pub with ducks in their garden.
Our ducks visit almost daily, and we have one female and four males. The female always comes to visit, the males take it in turns. Sometimes we have two males, sometimes three or four.
The other day I took a video of our little friends, but for some reason I am unable to upload it here.
On the bright side, the pineapple upside down cake was a SUCCESS!
Stay Cool
Holly :)
Tuesday, 10 April 2012
The Latest Visits:
So Lucy and I can tick another two visits off our list:
This is a lovely photo of Lucy B
Here are a few photos of the gardens and Lucy and I standing by the beautiful tulips and blossoms:
Two days later, we headed to Signleton Weald and Downland Open Air Museum.
Having got mildly lost on the way there, we were relieved to see the signs for the 'open air museum'.
Arundel Castle
and
Singleton: Weald and Downland Open Air Museum
First, Arundel Castle.
Having set off in my little car we breezed along the A27 with Erasure-A Little Respect blaring. That is until we reached Arundel, where there was roadworks. Big roadworks. So we sat there for about 3/4 hour then eventually got through the bottleneck into Arundel.
We had a quick shop around the town centre then paid a visit to the Moathouse Cafe for a cream tea! :)
Then onwards to the castle...
This is a lovely photo of Lucy B
Here are a few photos of the gardens and Lucy and I standing by the beautiful tulips and blossoms:
This is Lucy sitting in the resturant where we sat and had a coffee and chatted about university, and ambulances.
After we had visited the castle, we decided to wander down to the duck pond. Here are a couple of photos:
Two days later, we headed to Signleton Weald and Downland Open Air Museum.
Having got mildly lost on the way there, we were relieved to see the signs for the 'open air museum'.
Lucy and I wandered round reminiscing of times when both visited Singleton with our schools.
'Lucy the Giant'
That's all for now!
Holly :)
Thursday, 22 March 2012
First St John Ambulance duty
On Tuesday evening I completed my first duty as Trainee First Aider with St John Ambulance. The duty was the Brighton and Hove Albion Vs Derby football game at the Amex Stadium.
Being in full uniform has it's perks. It allows us to access all areas at the Amex, so we got to use the staff only lift, while Joe Public had to climb the 100 steps up to West Upper, where Aaron and I were based for the evening.
We had, in my opinion, the best seats in the house. At the very top of the stadium, above the highest seating block.
As well as being my First St John duty, it was also my first football game. what an atmosphere! There were definately some very passionate Seagulls fans there.
We only had one call out during the duty, and as it happens, just as we came off the stands and behind to the bar area to see to the man, Brighton Scored. However, we didn't miss out because Brighton scored again that evening.
Rumour has it Fatboy Slim and Des lynam were there too.
All in all it was a brilliant night, hopefully to be repeated many times in the future.
And this blog would not be complete without a photo, unfortunatly I didn't take any, but I found this one online, and it is pretty much taken from where we were sitting, so you can see our perspective of the game.
In other news, after chatting to Aaron all evening about SECAmb and St John, I came home and emailed SECAmb's Community First Responder scheme, to see if I could get involved.
Watch this space...
Holly xxx
Being in full uniform has it's perks. It allows us to access all areas at the Amex, so we got to use the staff only lift, while Joe Public had to climb the 100 steps up to West Upper, where Aaron and I were based for the evening.
We had, in my opinion, the best seats in the house. At the very top of the stadium, above the highest seating block.
As well as being my First St John duty, it was also my first football game. what an atmosphere! There were definately some very passionate Seagulls fans there.
We only had one call out during the duty, and as it happens, just as we came off the stands and behind to the bar area to see to the man, Brighton Scored. However, we didn't miss out because Brighton scored again that evening.
Rumour has it Fatboy Slim and Des lynam were there too.
All in all it was a brilliant night, hopefully to be repeated many times in the future.
And this blog would not be complete without a photo, unfortunatly I didn't take any, but I found this one online, and it is pretty much taken from where we were sitting, so you can see our perspective of the game.
In other news, after chatting to Aaron all evening about SECAmb and St John, I came home and emailed SECAmb's Community First Responder scheme, to see if I could get involved.
Watch this space...
Holly xxx
Friday, 16 March 2012
Days out with Lucy...
Lucy and I have aquired a 'Top 50 Sussex Attractions 2012' leafet. and we intend to visit almost every one. (and a few more besides).
The first activity on our list was to go see the lambing and calving at Coombes Farm. So we set out at 10.00am, on a not-so-sunny day, armed with our cameras. After walking around one of the lambing barns for a while, we had a mug of hot choc in the cafe to pass the time before the tractor ride at 11.30.
When we returned from the ride, we peeked in another of the lambing barns, and saw the cutest little lambs ever!
Next on to the calving barn.
And finally, after a short chat with a guy called Henry who we used to go to school with, we headed through the car park/field up to the church. We had a look around the small church, then called it a day.
The second activity on our list was to visit 'Pooh Corner'. The birth place of the 'Winnie the Pooh' stories.
So, on yet another not-so-sunny day, we set off for Hartfield. When we arrived we visited 'Pooh Corner' which is the gift shop/ information centre. After chatting to the girly behind the counter, we set off for 'Pooh Car Park'. Once there, we embarked on a so called "3/4 hour walk" - took us about 10 mins! to find Pooh sticks bridge:
We had a quick game of Poohsticks- which I won. However, my stick was a lot thicker and heavier!
Then onwards to Gill's Leap Car Park. So with guide in hand we begun the main walk to see the 'enchanted places'. We saw Galleon's Lap, 'Where the North Pole was', the heffalump trap, the enchanted places memorial plaque and 'the sandy pit where Roo played'.
And of course, most importantly we visited Piglit's Tearoom. And no, I have not misspelt 'Piglit', as that is how it is spelt in this instance. Lucy and I pondered the reason for this. Perhaps, it was a deliberate mistake to avoid copyright laws, or perhaps they just got it wrong. Either way, the proper way to spell Piglit, according to the author himself (A.A. Milne), is P-I-G-L-E-T.
That's all for now folks!
Holly
xxx
The first activity on our list was to go see the lambing and calving at Coombes Farm. So we set out at 10.00am, on a not-so-sunny day, armed with our cameras. After walking around one of the lambing barns for a while, we had a mug of hot choc in the cafe to pass the time before the tractor ride at 11.30.
When we returned from the ride, we peeked in another of the lambing barns, and saw the cutest little lambs ever!
Next on to the calving barn.
And finally, after a short chat with a guy called Henry who we used to go to school with, we headed through the car park/field up to the church. We had a look around the small church, then called it a day.
The second activity on our list was to visit 'Pooh Corner'. The birth place of the 'Winnie the Pooh' stories.
So, on yet another not-so-sunny day, we set off for Hartfield. When we arrived we visited 'Pooh Corner' which is the gift shop/ information centre. After chatting to the girly behind the counter, we set off for 'Pooh Car Park'. Once there, we embarked on a so called "3/4 hour walk" - took us about 10 mins! to find Pooh sticks bridge:
We had a quick game of Poohsticks- which I won. However, my stick was a lot thicker and heavier!
Then onwards to Gill's Leap Car Park. So with guide in hand we begun the main walk to see the 'enchanted places'. We saw Galleon's Lap, 'Where the North Pole was', the heffalump trap, the enchanted places memorial plaque and 'the sandy pit where Roo played'.
The Sandy Pit where Roo played - which was decidedly un-sandy!
And of course, most importantly we visited Piglit's Tearoom. And no, I have not misspelt 'Piglit', as that is how it is spelt in this instance. Lucy and I pondered the reason for this. Perhaps, it was a deliberate mistake to avoid copyright laws, or perhaps they just got it wrong. Either way, the proper way to spell Piglit, according to the author himself (A.A. Milne), is P-I-G-L-E-T.
That's all for now folks!
Holly
xxx
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