‘5 to 9’ boosst team update

Hello Hello! Yes, its that time again…another team blog coming right up… May and June have been full of lovely memories for us all. 

I had a lovely 3 day break to Palma capital city of Mallorca at the beginning of May. Palma (not to be confused with Palma Nova and the 18-30s crowd) was a great chance to recharge and enjoy a short break exploring a real hidden gem. Most guests to the Island simply fly into Palma and board coaches or taxis to their chosen destinations. However, the capital itself is such a treasure waiting to be explored. The Cathedral (also known as ‘Le Seu’) is a real wonder, overlooking the bay of Palma where the cruise ships come and go, it boasts a 13 meter stained glass window, one of the largest in the gothic style in Europe. There are beautiful shops, alley ways and small plazas to be explored and the people are so friendly, you can explore the designer boutiques, flower markets and handmade stalls at a slow pace unlike in other cities. The food is really great too! Without doubt my favourite is tapas followed by the local speciality – ensaimadas (a round pastry which can come filled with custard/chocolate or served plain) and/or a slice of traditional almond cake – yum!  There is also easy access by train up to the Serra de Tramuntana mountains which are simply stunning, boasting exceptional sea views, hidden villages such as Valldemosa and Soller and the highest point on the island – Puig Major.  I do encourage anyone that has not been to explore Palma and the Serra de Tramuntana. They really are so underrated.     Back home, I took my children to an ‘animal encounters party’. This was filled with lovely animals to cuddle and learn about, unfortunately, I somehow drew the short straw and had a tarantula placed on my head. I was a little frozen in fear, as was my daughter – but with all eyes on me, I couldn’t move, my Victoria Cross is on its way in the post I’m sure!  After all the excitement we visited Bradgate Park in Leicestershire. The park is beautiful and full of deer, both Red and Fallow are roaming free, a peaceful and relaxing day, walking, picnicking and seeking out these gorgeous animals! The remains of a Tudor castle once home to Lady Jane Grey is also within the park. If you fancied a visit – https://www.bradgatepark.org/     Our Ryan S (we have two Ryan’s) is not one to shout about his achievements, so I’ll do it for him! Ryan was awarded ‘Managers player of the season’ by his football team MK Irish, and I quote ‘one of the first names one the team sheet, he’s had some season and the award is fully deserved’. Well done Ryan! Definitely one to shout about! Also in May Jennie jetted off to New York to celebrate a friend’s birthday. Rather than repeating the usual sights of the big apple, (they had all visited before) they explored through a mix of lesser-known experiences and local perspectives. One of Jennie’s highlights was a cycle around Central Park – a wonderful way to take in the park’s scenic beauty without the long trek on foot. The park is 8 miles on circumference so this was a great way to explore and much quicker to get around than on foot. Central Park Zoo was well worth a visit, right in the heart of the Park itself.  They also went to East River to explore Brooklyn. Taking the Metro to the DUMBO (Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass) neighbourhood, this had a lovely artistic vibe and was much quieter that the better known Brooklyn bridge. Relaxing into the evenings even her cocktails were boosst colours! – How on brand! Individual Clients can read more about her trip by accessing our Travel & Experience Directory via the boosst portal.    Back in the UK in June; Jennie, Gabby and Dawn took part in the Willen Hospice Midnight Moo! This involves a sponsored 5 or 10 mile walk starting at 10pm raising money for the Hospice, they opted for the longer 10 mile walk and ended up raising over £500 for Willen! Congratulations and well done ladies – Jennie swapped the branded New York cocktail for an another ‘on brand’ drinks option.   In May, Keith and Linda took part in the Dunkirk Little Ships 85th Anniversary of ‘Operation Dynamo’ as part of the support boat flotilla.  Starting at Ramsgate and supporting 63 original small ships and their journey across the channel.  They were able to meet lots of the owners, hear their stories and admire the Little Ships up close. On the 26th of May 1940 Winston Churchill ordered as many privately owned small ships as possible to take the perilous journey across the channel to evacuate the troops stranded on the beach as larger vessels were unable to navigate the shallows off Gravelines beach. The aim was to rescue 30,000 troops, over a few days more than 338,000 troops were repatriated and the spirit of Dunkirk was born. The weekends celebrations were truly emotional, inspiring and humbling.  All manner of events took place from Marching Bands, Processions, Church Services and the Belgium Military Wives giving the most amazing performance on the promenade.   This was also Keith & Linda’s first channel crossing, so more learning banked ahead of whatever challenge they set themselves next!   Meanwhile, Josh and Gabby were enjoying a week in Staveley in the Lake District, with Josh packed off each day to the Waters & Acland Fine Furniture Workshop. He learnt everything from wood selection, tooling, lamination, pattern making, veneering and joinery to put together a brilliant side table. The course was a Christmas gift from Gabby… the lengths she will go to for somewhere to park her cup of tea!   Before returning back to boosst from her maternity leave Laura and her extended family enjoyed a family break to Margate, Kent during the May half term.  With 3 children under the age of 5, they enjoyed the local soft play, arcades and beaches – does anything beat a good old English beach, fish and chips and family time – I think you’d be hard pushed!     At the end of May, Tom flew to Alicante to spend 5 days learning to mountain climb in Guadalest. Travelling alone, he joined up with a group of 10 other adrenaline junkies to ‘learn the ropes’ in the 24 degree sun, trying his hand at top-roping, abseiling and finishing by conquering Spain’s most challenging Via Ferrata ‘Los Tres Picos’. And finally, we all had some time out of the office together in June on our team day. We completed the ‘Race Across the World – London Experience’, which is a live adventure game  based on the TV series ‘Race across the world’.  We split into three teams and had to navigate our way around London on foot whilst solving puzzles and registering check points. As you get to certain check points you are given facts about the history of the area or a particular monument, meaning you also learn whilst you are exploring. It really gives you a chance to see the City in a different light and having a great time and lots of laughs whilst doing it.   There was certainly some healthy competition, the team that won – Team Longevity! – was Josh, Nick, Avril, Riah and myself! The experience lasted around 3 hours and really was a great way to see the City of London. Tickets and more information, if you wanted to give it a go can be found here – https://raceacrosstheworldexperience.com/  That about covers our news from May and June. Please do let us know if you ever wanted anymore information on anything the team have been up to, we would love to talk to you. Until next time… Katie x