We got back from the Houses of Parliament with the warm feeling of knowing that the "Gold Award " for the Green Apple Awards had been won due to our efforts. 

The warm feeling soon dissipated when we got up this morning to pouring rain and the Blaydon Burn Autumnwatch festival to attend.  We were the providers of the core activities.  Hurdle making, Willow insect making, Bat box making, Bird box making and "Doing the bughouse" (making of minibeast hotels) gave us a hectic day.  As usual we were busy from first set up until after the marquee hire people came to collect the tents.  Over 20 hurdles, 30 willow insects, 31 bat boxes, 45 assorted bird boxes and 28  minibeast hotels were made and are now dispersed over the region from Stanley to Seaton Burn.

The aftermath was not pretty, we needed a good soak in the bath and a good hose down of the poor old motor but another job well done and lots of participants and our clients were well satisfied.