We’ve been applying for a grant from a pot of European money. This one is for the farm to extend the kitchen because schools are increasingly bringing between 60 and 90 pupils instead of the 30 that they used to. Nothing we say seems to be able to stop them. I suspect that it’s because of transport costs and that they are increasingly seeing us a cheap choice for an end of term trip.
That means we have to crowd the kitchen and rush things to get everyone through. I’m often to be found giving directions over my shoulder whilst washing the baking trays from the previous session.
When the farm decided to throw more energy into the kitchen (after six months of deciding to expand, deciding to close down, becoming a juice bar, becoming a greasy spoon etc.. – there is zero logic or leadership in the process) we decided it may be a good idea to expand the kitchen.
If we are able to meet 60% of the costs the fund will contribute the other 40% if we can meet certain criteria. The farm is able to provide the 60% (paid back as a higher annual rent) and together we can meet the criteria, so Julia has spent the last month preparing an outline. It’s been back and forth a few times and it’s about finished now, but it’s taken around twenty hours to do, and she’s not being paid for it.
At this point you start muttering that it’s a lot of work for something that isn’t part of our core business.
Imagine how much more muttering there would be if we were to get a note telling us that things had been postponed until the results of the referendum are known.
Actually, I don’t need to imagine, because that’s what happened last week. There has been a lot of muttering from my dear wife, and if any members of the cabinet are found dead in suspicious circumstances I may have to give a false alibi.
So that’s annoyance number one.
Annoyance number two is that we’ve just been told by one of the carers who brings someone here that their organisation has just had a funding cut from the council. This is initially going to mean a pay cut for everyone of between 2% and 4%. They are then going to reassess all their clients under a new set of selection criteria. Whether this is to select new clients more stringently or to get rid of some of the existing ones we aren’t yet sure.
As I say, these things are sent to try us.
The next post will be more cheerful 😉
Trying, indeed
It’s all part of life’s rich pageant, as they say. 😉
How sickening! I really don’t know what to say about this that Chris hasn’t already said.
I’m trying to look on the bright side – at least it gives me something to moan about.
From 30 to 90 is a big increase!
It is when they all want to make pizza!
A bit of congestion then!
Indeed there is, particularly when the teachers decide to alter the timings without regard to the fact that I can’t alter the laws of nature to bake pizza in less than 15 minutes. 😉
Oh, something needs to be done about that!
Issuing me with a firearm would be a start…
We are ruled by Accountants now – whoever would have thought we would still find it in our hearts to truly care for each other. The wealthy are aliens as far as I can see – where their heart should be lies a balance sheet. I would much rather pay more in taxes and maintain important projects like this than see them disappear. Start a petition and I will sign it! thank you for all you do and are doing still.
I’d like to be able to contradict you but it’s getting harder to look on the bright side of life. Thanks for the kind words.