10th Dec 2008 Surrey UK

With the Christmas festivities only a few weeks away it made sense that the EMEA trainers should engage their foundation hours preparing a facility for a family carol service. It was even more apt that the facility should be a stable, in fact a donkey sanctuary...

Now it happened in those days, that a decree went out from on high (from Francesca Donaghy who set it up and then was poorly) that all the world (of trainers) should be involved and so Chris Rauch, Emma Gale, Eric Kelleher, Clive Hollingshead, Jon Oatham, Marc Kuster, Sebanstiano Costanzo, Shelly Holten, Amy Harbin, Alim Uddin and Brendan Peterson did make their way to Lockwood Donkey Centre for a day of contemplation, manual labour and the movement of manure (lots of manure). Fortunately there was room at the Inn, where much refreshment was made. The donkeys were much admired (as were the Llamas - don't ask) and the sheep.

Outbuildings were cleared, windows were set gleaming and lights strung from rafters. Holly, ferns and branches of other green type plants (look, we are not horticulturists) were used to decorate the tea rooms in a festive manner. But all looked in wonder to see Chris and Amy clear so much... fertilised ground.

A good time was had by all, the donkeys were royally entertained and the staff at the centre was very appreciative of our efforts. And the Alimcarol service went well.