I have found this week quite exhausting but my heart was lifted by others almost every day.

From the Weaverham High School lads who politely let us board the bus to some lively bookworms at the library’s book club.

From teachers at Witton Church Walk encouraging family learning to a room full of enthusiastic locals at the Community Network meeting at Rudheath Social club. And the wonderful Tony at the Railside café, who not only revived me from my litter pick with the best coffee in the universe, but also paid for the summer flower bulbs for the station.

Sipping my coffee, I chatted to an intrepid butterfly hunter/admirer and fisherman. Tony informed me it was the chap’s birthday (“How old are you now? 21?” asks Tony to which the chap replies, “Stone. Yeah.”) I love my station trips because the people I meet are so warm and friendly.

Not all, mind.

Obviously there are some who spit, who drop litter, who scowl. The misanthropes. Lost souls. I clean up their mess not because I have to, but because I care about the kids and dogs who will cut themselves on the broken glass smashed down the steps, and I care about the area. I think it is a fact that the environment affects people psychologically so I would like to see the area blossom, to see people respecting themselves and each other.

A rose tinted outlook most certainly, but I dare to dream… I am to have regular Fridays at Zone to work on my Community Learning Champion admin or help people interested in courses, any courses for any purpose! We are here to help anyone at all, but with Connexions future looking so bleak, the Learning Champions could step in and help the young the most. Luckily the Voluntary Action team have organised Big Drop Ins in Winsford (14 March, Lifestyle Centre) and Northwich (22 March at Memorial Hall) showcasing the best of local advice and support including local Learning Champions. For young or old!

Or inbetweeners like me. Learning Champions come from all walks of life, we have one thing in common though – we love learning. We want to show others that Adult Learning is something that can enhance your experiences, maybe your career prospects and in some cases it can completely change your life too.

There are many free or very affordable courses out there.

Soon I will be planting out at the station again for summer to cheer up the weary travellers of the northern line. Hopefully a couple of people might help out. A little bit of time can make a big difference for an entire season.

Just as a few volunteers can change the landscape of someone’s life forever – be it a cup of coffee and a chat, a phone call to a college, weeding together, laughing together.

It is society, and it isn’t dead Lady Thatcher!

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