Social Life and More!

It’s been particularly busy over the last few weeks! I have been putting the finishing touches to my Masters and been heavily involved in preparing the final documentation for the Department for International Development (DfID) to secure the Budgetary Aid settlement agreed by DfID representatives when they made their annual DAPM (Development Aid Planning Mission) visit in January. It wouldn’t usually be part of the ‘Day job’ but my Boss Susan O’Bey has been seconded to undertake a very important role as Deputy Chief Executive (and currently Acting Chief Executive) leading St Helena Island’s economic development, As a result, her vacant post of Director of Strategic Policy and Planning has been split in 2 and I am covering the performance and planning side until a replacement has been recruited, so it’s been full on.
After a nervous few weeks wait, I got the results of my MBA (Strategic Change) and got an A (distinction) so am delighted with that!!

I’ve also been teaching A Level and GCSE Business Studies at Prince Andrew School one afternoon a week to help them out. It’s something that I very much enjoy doing and reminds me of why I went into training and coaching much earlier in my career. So I spend time at the weekend lesson planning then teach 2 classes back to back.
Burns night came late to St Helena. There is a sizable Scottish contingent here, but a fair few were off Island, not returning until the end of January. So St Helena Burns Night took place at the Consulate Hotel on February 8th and a fantastic time was had by all! It was also the last social event we attended with Martin Sutcliffe and Linda Woods, who departed the Island a couple of weeks later following the completion of Linda’s contract.

After a brief stopover in Scotland, they are heading off to San Francisco where Linda is starting her next contract – Good luck guys – Miss you!
It’s an odd concept really – people come and go on a regular basis, not just ex-pats, but many Saints too. Due to the poor economy many Saints live and work overseas, predominantly on Ascension, the Falklands or in the UK. In fact two of my A Level students are from Ascension. They have moved here to complete their A Level studies and are living with relatives having left their families behind – it’s very hard for them to be apart, but I know they are really looking forward to visiting Ascension in the summer before commencing their second year of study here.
True friendships are hard to establish as often by the time you’ve got to know someone, they are off either for good or extended leave. But you do find yourself mixing with large social groups and attending lots of ‘do’s’

So to Christmas Day number two!

Bob, Paula and Pip had spent Christmas back in the UK and Pip had been disappointed not to be having a Piccolo Christmas, so we arranged to do a second Christmas on her return. They were due back on 31st January, so Christmas was set for February 1st. A few days before they were due to fly to South Africa to board the RMS, Pip went down with chicken pox! She wasn’t able to fly. Luckily, they were able to secure flights and accommodation to Ascension the following week enabling them to catch up with the RMS in Georgetown a week later. Christmas Day had to be postponed and due to Burns Night taking place the following Saturday, we settled on 15th February. We didn’t hold back! Starters – Lemon and herb breaded wahoo stick and scampi with Tartar sauce, followed by Roast Turkey, roast potatoes, fresh vegetables, pigs in blankets (home-made!)roast parsnips, washed down with a bottle of bubbly (courtesy of the Governor) and lots of wine. Crackers and presents too! Everyone contributed to the day and a fun time was had by all.