For the love of blogs - episode 20

How do folks, and here we are again for yet another exciting instalment. Now I know I have been quiet lately (yes, I know that is very unusual for moi), but there have been many good reasons for this. Firstly, I had to recover from my little trip to the Gin Distillery, which I have to say was absolutely fabulous darling and did result in having to drink the gin rather quickly and on an empty stomach – not to be recommended – due to having a rather hectic schedule. I mean, it was a real struggle, but one I felt had to be done, all for the sake of research!!! Then there was our son’s amazing wedding weekend that went by oh too quickly and somehow included yet more alcohol and an escapologist of a dog who managed to make his way around the venue, gate-crashed the dancefloor, as well as being the official “shot dog” and having a thoroughly great time whilst commanding lots of attention from everyone. Needless to say, when we got home, we had a rather depressed dog for several days!!! Come to think of it, I felt rather like that too.

One major piece of news I want to talk about is that we have managed to secure new premises. Now I know it was only a matter of months ago that we moved into our new training room in Castleford, but after experiencing numerous safety issues with the building, which only became known once we started using the property, a decision had to be made. This resulted in us having to look further afield, and we managed to find a large room within Southgate Business Centre in Southgate, just on the edge of Pontefract town centre. One of the many benefits of the new place is that we are only two minutes' walk from a place that sells amazing Cornish pasties, a chippy opposite us and the local hospital if you become seriously ill – lots of great benefits.

When we first viewed it, it was just a blank room, but we quickly managed to create a storeroom and are continuing to put our own stamp on the place. The transformation happened mainly over a weekend, thanks to lots of help from our number one son, and this would not have been possible without him. Needless to say, we had to keep him in beer and pizza, but it was a small price to pay. One of our first courses involved nine learners and two trainers, and we still had plenty of room to conduct all the required practical exercises. We have also managed to create an office space, which the girls have commandeered to either build Lego, colour or create a typical scene from the M62 i.e. rows and rows of cars at a standstill!!! The new space is so much lighter, warmer, and, more importantly, a safer training space for all our valued customers. At CTS, we take our customers' needs very seriously, and this is reflected in the diligence we put into making sure every learner on every course has the best possible experience. Something I do need to make people aware of is Shaun’s sense of humour, or rather lack of one!!!  I think he gets most of his material from Christmas crackers, so I can only apologise in advance to any new customers, you are in for a treat!!!!

New training room

Now that we are in our new premises, we need to make our presence known, and this comes in the form of window signage. Shaun, in his infinite wisdom, decided that if he had a vinyl cutting machine, he would be able to create his own. This prompted him to look on Facebook Marketplace for a second-hand machine, and after discussing it with me, which basically involved him grunting “vinyl machine £100”, that was about the limit of the conversation. The said machine was collected from Newark and now has pride of place in our new place. After spending several hours on the computer, lots of swear words were said, and we now actually have some signage on the window. Who knows, this may be his next side hustle, but maybe not that good for his blood pressure.

In and amongst all the changes, we have been busy continuing to run a variety of courses from Emergency First Aid at Work, First Aid at Work, FREC 3 & 4 to Understanding Life Saving Medication. We have also provided medical cover for numerous events. Well, we must pay the bills somehow and keep me in the manner I have now become accustomed to, as “him indoors” believes I am a high-maintenance woman. I really do not know what he means. Yes, I get my nails done, yes, I dye my hair; otherwise, I would look like an old granny, and another crazy labrador would be fantastic – given the circumstances, I do not think that is too bad!!!

Right, as I am working, I am off to watch a bit of darts and relive my youth yet again. In the famous words of a certain programme, “You can’t beat a bit of Bully,” and why was there always a speedboat as the main prize? – another of life’s little mysteries. Apologies to those who do not have a clue what I am on about, I guess I have finally lost the plot!!! Until next time…….

 Hej da

Jen