Day 95 - When Foxie did some thinking (or when there was a false false alarm followed by a false alarm!)

It was a busy day on site, albeit with guests instead of jobs!

It started early doors for the Site Office as we had to open the gate for those arriving for The Lodge guests' dawn promise renewal ceremony.  As we were accommodating at The Gatehouse overnight we took the lazy approach and did a pyjama and wellie boot run and the retreated back to the warm for a bit longer inside with a cup of tea (we thought an 8am proper start on a Saturday was reasonable to aim for.  Tea was drunk and contemplation of movement towards getting up and heading for the Site Office was discussed when suddenly plans were accelerated when Emma heard an alarm going off - we're obviously on high alert for problems as it's the first residential weekend - collective listening and awaiting a phone call from the monitoring department...both of which were inconclusive....outdoor clothes were thrown on in a hurry and boots hopped into and then...outside...it became apparent that it was a false alarm...but from somewhere on the other side of Clay Hill...a false false alarm..  Normal service resumed and the Site Office was opened as usual.  We then headed over to The Barn for toilet roll restocking and delivery of AV equipment and a quick clean of the kitchen before our day booking arrived.  We were nearly done when another alarm sounded...this time much closer and on site and the monitoring service rang...fire alarm in The Lodge...did we need the fire brigade! A 100 metre dash up from The Barn to The Lodge to find guests outside in their dressing gowns confirmed that we did not and they were called off...sausage cooking had gone awry and the smoke had set off the detectors...all was well...not a second false false alarm, but still a false one.  All was well and a true test of our systems! 

Things got a bit calmer after that - we had a steady stream of visitors all day, not just those arriving to use The Barn, who we understand had a fab time and gave us in the office lovely thinking day gifts of a banner, chocolate campfires and lovely feedback! But also, we had visits from local supporters who wanted to drop in donations and visit our little shop stalls and we were grateful to them for stopping by.  We also had two guides on a bike expedition drop in with their entourage to say hello and to refuel before finishiing their journey - long fox Foxie waved them on thier way! 

We had a couple of Volunteers drop by including to take advantage of the drier day to fill a bit more of the front pillars of Foxlease House and to help us move some things, along with a mother and daughter volunteering team who joined us to clear some of the fallen wood up the driveway for us which was a big help.  We're getting to a place where we will be able at certian times to accept those under 18 to volunteer provided that they are accompanied by a responsible adult/parent/guardian and it was lovely to see the enthusiasm for helping us out at all ages!

The Singing Washing Machine did have its turn at a chorus or two washing off the High Vis jackets from the site office and we got lots of paperwork done too.   The campfire count on site since opening, following this weekend, is now 3 and the S'mores count is much much higher - our large wall posters to keep track of those will be on their way to site soon. 

We've also been approved on Pitch Up for our family camping offering, starting with the Easter break initially and it is our intention to build on that in a few weeks' time.  We've also had our first couple of Trip Advisor reviews from those who've stayed so far and we're really grateful for the positive feedback.

Thinking Day wishes to those who celebrate and here's to a less alarming start tomorrow morning, Love Foxie x