Friends, Trips Out, Sea Glass and Plants

Connections- a relationship in which a person, thing or idea is linked or associated with something else.

Berni Ashworth

A couple of weeks ago was half term and a week off TramShed. The week before, we were on holiday in our beloved campervan in the Lake District, and for the most I managed to access the workshops and the TramShed Voice Quiz Night using Joe’s unlimited data with ok-ish connection. To be fair, I’ve had worse connection in the past with my Wi-Fi at home.

A week away from the laptop is currently a great thing, especially as I spend most of my working week facing a screen with sometimes back to back meetings all day, so it gives my tired eyes a much needed break. What I knew I would miss though, is the interaction with amazing friends, most of whom I didn’t know before I joined TramShed 8 years ago, after a ‘Right Time, Right Place’ moment - that’s a story for another day.

Luckily with the technology many of us have at our fingertips, we can still keep in touch and although it is still screen time, it’s so very worth it. The sound of photos and messages coming through on What’s App, sharing cute photos of little ones, wow moments, good food and funny or precious memories is good for the soul and keeps that much needed connection close.

A week off also gave the opportunity to meet up with some of those friends in real life, face to face, in person, still generally socially distanced with the occasional allowed hug (thanks Boris!). We have so many beautiful places to share right on our doorstep, a lovely local walk, along beaches with a huge amount of very addictive sea glass collecting, ready to deliver to another TS friend for her beautiful craft enterprise. Then through the woods with no sound other than happy voices and chirpy birdsong to listen to (there’s even an app to identify the birdsong reasonably successfully)- a connection with nature. We then strolled back to another TS friends’ house for a brew (water in my case – I don’t do brews!!). All too soon it was time to set off home, as always armed with a selection of lovingly grown plants for my growing garden.

All these connections have been made possible through a chance meeting at TramShed, the association which brings us together, in workshops, social events, in real life. Long may it continue and never underestimate the value of our connections and the friendships that may follow.

#apartofbeingapart

Berni Ashworth

Adult Volunteer Team