- No laptops.
- Out of offices on.
- Adventure Begins…
It’s 8 am on a bright Autumn day in early October in the Jewellery Quarter Birmingham. The long-awaited secret away day had finally arrived for the infamous Notepad crew (The Padders)!! Spirits were high, anticipation hot in the air of our little minibus while motoring down the M40 in pursuit of the secret destination.
We could feel we were getting close when we took exit 25 off the M25, then a sharp left down a track into the wilderness. We had finally arrived. Before us stood a magnificent house. Our jaws dropped. This was not what any of us expected. Is it a spa? Is it a hotel? Or an escape room? The signs we saw on the grounds only added to our confusion ‘The Zebra Riding Club’ and this way to the ‘Lido’. What were The Padders going to be up to?
After an incredibly successful year, Naeem wanted to treat The Padders to a well-deserved break, for us to spend some quality time together relaxing, having fun giving us the headspace to feel rejuvenated and rewarded for the incredible work everyone had produced. We enjoyed a fine dining experience and simply enjoyed each other’s company in a non-working environment set in the most peaceful luxury surroundings you could wish for.
So where were we? ‘Birch Community… an escape for the explorers’. It’s a retreat that gives people the time and freedom to pause, think and create. *It was very ‘London’. I don’t think Birch knew who had landed……. let’s just say the gang from Brum knew how to enjoy themselves.
First stop, the Music room. Filled with double chocolate chip salted cookies, a veggie lunch and a kick-ass presentation of all our accomplishments. Some of our key 2020-2021 achievements include moving to a new studio, expanding The Padders team, smashing all targets for 2021 and next year, partnering with Creative Lives and LLB, choosing to become a B Corp and the list of outstanding Notepad achievements goes on! All topped off by receiving several glowing 5-star reviews from our amazing clients!
Naeem hosted our very own mini award ceremony to celebrate The Padders; ‘Positive ray of sunshine’ award went to the lovely Joshua! ‘Above and beyonder’ award went to the little grafter Lucy, and of course ‘Human Wikipedia’ had to go to Dom, our wiz kid. Our client manager Krishna was awarded ‘Cool as a cucumber’ as nothing phases her, and finally, the ‘Padder of the year’ award went to the one and only Will for his outstanding design skills and the consistent unwaning contribution he makes to Notepad come rain or shine.
Second event: The Padders went potty in the pottery studio, to embrace our inner Swayze or Moore. We got hands-on with clay and learnt the pinch and coil techniques. We made some unique and creative pots whilst laughing at the constant stream of innuendos.
Padders went pilates for the next activity on the itinerary. When we say we have never burnt so much from just stretching, we are not joking. The child pose was definitely a favourite, as well as listening intently to our instructor’s unique way of breathing.
Padders suited and booted for dinner and drinks. We galloped down to The Zebra Riding Club. Where we enjoyed an incredible fine dining set tasting menu. The courses just kept coming, smoked sandy carrot with white garlic miso, cured trout with golden beetroot and devilled egg, Gilchesters porridge sourdough with smoked cultured cream. House-cured meat & pickles (and that was just the snacks). Followed by grilled Aylesbury duck, coco beans grilled bobby beans with duck liver parfait. All washed down with a continuous flow of white wine, red wine and cocktails! We could not fault the company and the memories we have made together at this truly fabulous venue where our weary heads slept in the most luxurious beds imaginable.
One by one The Padders emerged from their rooms. Rested and a little bit blurry-eyed to indulge in a truly award-winning breakfast, before embarking on our journey home back to Brum with a finale of Nando’s to end our brilliant away day!
Shout Out to Krishna who found Birch and organised everything! Major praise to our incredible boss Naeem who always puts his Padders first.
Finally, to all the Padders you are an absolute dream team to be part of.
Thank you, here’s to the next trip!!!!
