The following is a volunteer’s diary from a volunteering residential week:

A truly random group of individuals was given the opportunity to attempt adventure activities including kayaking, fencing, abseiling, hiking, archery, aeroball – a game involving four people, a trampoline, and on this occasion excessive sweating due to the stipulated winter attire. (particularly testing for someone like myself, who could go swimming in his bodily fluids), mountain biking, quad biking and zip wire. A favourite activity that didn’t require a helmet or harness and had use of the centre’s private beach. I hadn’t swum in a sea off England in quite a while and on the couple of occasions that we went to the beach, the water was just about bearable, so long as there was plenty of splashing and one’s delicate feet could survive the stony walk in and out.

My most enjoyable pursuit was the fourth day mountain biking which did indeed live up to its name as we ascended an enduring and very turbulent track. The ride was fantastic, taking in a range of terrains and speeds. The only thing that concerned me was the size of the bike I was given, and fortunately it didn’t quite prove to be a knees-to-the-chin affair! As we were about to depart for the ride, I remarked to our staff member “Should my tyres be pumped up?” He replied, “Not for where we’re going”, and sure enough I was saved from a painful rear-end after many bumps.

Meeting the group from Pathways to Independence was also a personal highlight. I don’t think I’ve ever been on a residential that combined so many new activities with discussions of different culture, politics and religion. I enjoyed their company and feel educated! Thank you so much to all the people who made this trip happen, to Sarah, Ed and Nick, and all the participants. I had a fabulous time!

Getting ready for the climb!