RHS Winter Workshop

On Tuesday we went to RHS Harlow Carr for a Naturally Festive workshop. I still have no phone camera and , due to setting off at the last minute, I forgot to take my proper camera, so again no photos. It's a real shame too because the weather was lovely, we met up with old friends and they all had a great time. There time to play in the tree house before lunch and time for a bit more exploring after the workshop. There are some beautiful sculptures and some gorgeous Christmas decorations that were all worth a picture or two.

The workshop itself was well-delivered and interesting. The lady leading it talked about plants that are traditionally associated with Christmas and how they were used. Did you know that holly was planted near houses as a protection against lightning? We then went around the gardens to look at real life examples and learn some more about each plant whilst collecting samples for the craft activity. They made glittery clay tree decorations with leaf imprints and clay reindeer using twigs and berries. Ho! Ho! Ho!

The workshops run by RHS are free for educational groups and free entry into the garden is included. If you live near enough to an RHS garden, it's well worth the hassle of organising a group to go to one. They have a selection to choose from and didn't seem too phased by the wide age range of our group (6-15 year olds).

Christmas Camp

My phone is broken and I forgot to take my camera so I have no photos to share :(

We've just spent a lovely five days with 9 other families in Sheringham Youth Hostel in Norfolk . This is our fifth year at Christmas camp which we have previously spent at Okehampton YH, Castleton YH and Coalbrookedale YH.

Every year we enjoy big communal meals and a pretend Christmas Day, complete with Christmas dinner, carol singing and Secret Santa :)

This year the weather was very mild (12C) and mostly dry so we got to go to the beach in December!! Children went paddling and pebbles were collected :)
We visited Cromer; had fish and chips; walked on the pier and voted in the local best dressed Christmas Tree/Nativity Scene/Shop window competition.

We played games and crafted. There was a Nerf battle and lots of hide-and-seek. Much tea was drunk and lots of cake was eaten.
It's been a lovely week spent with lovely people who we hope to see again before next Christmas :)