Barrington Magazine | Jun - Aug 2017

MAGAZINE | ISSUE SEVEN

JUN - AUG 2017

Little White Heart Craft Fairs

Learning is Fun

Meet Paula Jones of Prama

The bARRingTon MAgAZine | issue seven

The bARRingTon MAgAZine suMMeR ediTion

ConTenTs Jun 2017 - Aug 2017

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Craft Fairs

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Meet Paula Jones, Pramacare

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Hello again, A recap of what’s been going on at The Barrington from volunteer Angela.

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Raffles special A Prama partnership has introduced a lot of welcome changes to the café.

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WHaT’s ON sTaGe All the upcoming gigs and shows

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EDItorIAL Barrington: Andy Bryant

Learning is Fun

Welcome to the Summer edition of the Barrington Magazine.

I’d like to start with a massive thank you to all of the fantastic volunteers and members of the Barrington who continue to give so much time and effort enabling us to bring so much more to the Centre.

I’m very pleased to report that some really good progress is already being made with the guidance of Prama. The Ferndown Community Association, which were the charity governing the Centre, have now officially been replaced by PramaLife. A newly created subsidiary charity of the Prama Foundation.

What this means in real terms is, we now have a new board of Prama Trustees and lots of new exciting avenues to explore, which, in the past potentially were not readily available to us.

With the assistance of Prama’s freelance Grant Application Specialist we hope to be looking toward obtaining the funding to improve the buildings fabric and bring new groups and programmes to the Centre. Part of this has already started with East Dorset Council funding a building survey by the Carbon Trust to see where we can improve our energy efficiency. The initial findings look positive and we are awaiting a plan of associated improvements in the near future.

Only having a short article in the magazine I wouldn’t actually be able to list all the work which has been going on behind the scenes here by Prama HQ staff or by Barrington staff but please rest assured that with all that is happening the Barrington Centre is now looking stronger than its ever been.

The one thing we need now most of all is you, not only as a loyal customer but as a volunteer being part of the community and family. We need people of all ages and abilities as there are lots of ways in which you can get involved as together we are better. Please pop in and say hello at the box office or call 01202 894858.

If you have any ideas on what could work well at the Barrington, or comments on areas in which we need to improve, or suggestions for the café, then I’d love to hear from you. The more feedback I receive, the more we can achieve.

Thanks very much!

Andy Bryant The Barrinton Centre Ferndown BH22 9TH 01202 894858 We look forward to welcoming you!

MURDeR fOR THe asKiNG A review by Carol Waterkyn of the recent play by Derek Benfield at the Barrington.

A 01202 894858 www.barringtoncentre.co.uk

m admin@barringtoncentre.co.uk CoNtrIBUtorS

Peter Ebers, Liz Judd, Steve Lugg

DESIGN/ProDUCtIoN Brightbox Designs & mags4dorset: Ben Pulford Louis Pulford Adam Trimby

ADVErtISEMENtS mags4dorset: Mark Beechey

sales@mags4dorset.co.uk

PrINtED BY: XEROCAD, Ferndown

www.barringtoncentre.co.uk

A m4d: 01202 870270 BBD: 01202 233441

www.mags4dorset.co.uk www.brightboxdesigns.co.uk

m design@mags4dorset.co.uk

contact@brightboxdesigns.co.uk

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THE BARRINGTON MAGAZINE | ISSUE SEVEN

The Little White Heart

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he Little White Heart Company uses The Barrington Centre as a venue for our craft fairs. We normally hold about five a year, including a Summer, Autumn and Special Christmas fair, open 10am – 2pm on various dates throughout the year, and it is a fantastic venue! We support up to 20 local small businesses, crafters and makers at any one event, who use the events to showcase their handmade items. You can find anything from homeware and decorative accessories to jewellery and cakes and treats! It’s the perfect place to shop for unique items for your home or to find the perfect gift. All of the crafters who attend are always happy to chat about what they do, so why not pop in, have a browse and a natter.

We have a great mixture of crafters attend so there really is something for everyone, whether it be traditional or contemporary crafts which interest you. A mixture of age ranges also exhibit, and we welcome all ages to pop in and have a look.

Many of our stallholders produce items especially for children.

We have many regular stallholders who produce beautiful knitted children’s wear and handmade accessories and toys. All of our crafters hold their own insurance and are CE certified where required, so you can be sure what you purchase is safe for your little ones to play with or wear.

We are extremely lucky that our events attract high quality crafters who are truly passionate about what they create, and this really does show in the items that they sell.

As well as crafters and makers we usually have one or two charity stands attend who raise money for local charities. At our February event we were lucky enough to have an animal charity attend, and they bought along a very friendly spikey hedgehog named Tiggy, which was a huge hit with visiting children (and parents!) who got to hold her!

During our Christmas event on 25 November you can expect gifts for all the family, wreaths, decorations, handmade greeting

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cards, Christmas cakes and mince pies, as well as festive music and performances throughout the day. Definitely not an event to be missed.

The craft fairs are always free to visitors, with plenty of free parking available in the town. Raffles, the café, is always open during our events should you need a break from browsing and fancy a cuppa.

Join us at our next craft fair on 10 June.

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Caring for local people Registered Charity 801967

Meet Paula Jones, Operations Director Of Prama In the last edition of the Barrington Magazine we met with Steve Robinson, CEO of Prama. Working with Steve at Prama HQ is Paula Jones, Operations Director. I had the opportunity to ask Paula a few questions recently, here is what she said: Can you tell the readers a little bit about yourself please?

“Hello, my name is Paula and as you know I am the Operations Director at Prama. I’ve been married to Mike for 12 years and have a daughter called Kate, who also works for Prama. Mike and I met whilst we were working together at Bournemouth University about 15 years ago. We were initially just friends, with a mutual interest in films and the cinema - the rest, as they say, is history!

Other than working for Prama do you do any voluntary work?

Having lived in the area for 30 or so years now I have endeavoured to give my time whenever I can including many years as a first aid volunteer for the Red Cross in Ferndown, as a school governor for West Moors Middle School and as secretary of St Mary’s PTFA in West Moors when I lived in the village, so I’m quite familiar with Ferndown.

More recently, with seemingly less spare time on my hands these days, I am a volunteer Trustee for the Dorset Blind Association and volunteer at St John’s in Wimborne.

Could you tell us a little bit more about your position at Prama?

Having had a range of positions in banking, accounts, sales, project management and business development across several industries over the (many!) years I have been working, even publishing my own newspaper and running a finance brokerage for a few years, I considered myself as a bit of a ‘Gill of all trades’, which is why I think I ended up in an Operations role. No two days are ever the same and the challenges that present themselves are always exciting and varied. I have a strong understanding of IT systems and new technologies, which definitely helps as we all know how frustrating technology can be. It’s almost impossible to list the different aspects I cover on a daily basis - from the day to day running of a charity to the strategic planning and finance (at least in the word count!), but it’s safe to say I really enjoy my job.

How did you come about working at Prama?

Well, it’s been quite a circuitous journey. When I met Mike we discovered that we had a mutual but dormant faith and agreed to get ourselves ‘back on the path’ by going to church together. We tried a few churches out locally and attended Carols by Candlelight at St John’s in Wimborne in 2002, where we have been worshipping ever since.

Whilst a member of the congregation at St John’s, the Vicar asked me if I would join the staff team. At the time I had just completed a Masters in Business Administration and was leading the UK division for a fast-pace organization in a demanding and well-paid job but without feeling any real sense of achievement. It was clear God had other ideas for me, so after much prayer, I left my job and went to work for the church.

At the time, I was concerned I would be bored and wondered how I would cope with that. As it happens nothing could have been further from the truth. From the moment I started I was kept extremely busy for what seemed like 12 hours a day, seven days a week.

It’s by far the busiest job I’ve ever had, including the one I have now.

Working in the Church really strengthened my faith in Christ so when, after 5 years, I felt God nudging me to move on by creating the opportunity to join Prama, I knew it was time to move on. In fact it wasn’t just one thing but three things all happening together that pointed me towards Prama: I had a dream (where have I heard that before?) that linked to two other things that happened at work the next day, all of which prompted me to call the CEO of Prama. I didn’t know him or much about Prama at the time so it was to his credit, after listening to why I felt compelled to call him, that he didn’t think I was some random chancer looking for a job. Long story short, I was offered a role, which has changed twice in the three years I have been with the organisation – and here I am!

It’s now with great excitement that I am taking on the work that Steve has started at the Barrington by bringing the community outreach activities of PramaLIFE to the Centre. I am really looking forward to the future and working together with you and the team of staff and volunteers.

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THE BARRINGTON MAGAZINE | ISSUE SEVEN

Hello again, I

hope you’ve all be well since my last little write up on what it was like to join the Barrington as a volunteer. This time I’m going to tell you about “what’s been going on” from this side of the box office window.

I’m happy to announce we have six new volunteers who have been helping for a number of weeks and what a great help they’ve been. Its made such a difference enabling the office staff to get to catch up on important things after being short staffed recently.

I recently treated myself to the Amsterdam 4 day tour and it was wonderful, well organized and John looked after everyone like a “Mother hen with her chicks”, I’m sure everyone who knows John would agree he does a fantastic job and you can see it on the faces of his passengers.

In the office we have been working hard to install our new ticket machine and booking procedure. I am happy to say it should be any

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day now, of course we will all need training in how to use it as it will be computer based and initially we will need to work until it’s running smoothly. So if you look into the office one day and we are all hairless then you will know that its been an extremely trying time!!

We are always looking for great volunteers and if you want to be part of our happy family we’d love to hear from you. Please pop in to the Centre and collect a application form. One of the office staff will be really pleased to meet you.

After a really busy time at the Barrington I’m treating myself. I’m now going to get on with my packing as I’m off to a Yoga retreat on a Greek Island for 2 weeks, so see you all on my return.

God Bless Angela.

“It’s going to be tough but some-one has to do it!”

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Raffles sPeCial A Prama Partnership Here at Barrington HQ lots of exciting changes have been taking place ready for the Prama partnership.

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We would like to offer you the chance to have your say about any changes you would like to see within Raffles

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H

ave you noticed our brand new television in Raffles?

The Mayor of Ferndown, Cllr Mike Parkes, presented the Barrington Centre with a new TV screen. The screen will be used to advertise shows, coach trips and activities taking place within the Barrington Centre to provide more social opportunities amongst the community.

Whilst we appreciate that our loyal customers enjoy the continuity of our café, we would like to offer you the chance to have your say about any changes you would like to see within Raffles. We have launched our new customer feedback forms so this is your opportunity to tell us

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what it is you enjoy or not enjoy so much about the café, whether it’s the reasonable prices, the staff or the quality of the food.

We would also like to know about any recommendations or suggestions you may have. Maybe you would like to see some seasonal changes to our drinks menu? Or perhaps you’ve joined one of our Slimming World classes within the Centre and you would like to see some lighter dishes on our menu?

Keep an eye out for the questionnaires or feel free to speak to one of our team members in person. Alternatively, if you would like to drop us an email addressed to admin@thebarrington.org we would love to hear from you

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Afternoon t ea

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n the first Sunday of every month we have an afternoon tea which is run and hosted by our dedicated and friendly volunteers Linda and Kay. The afternoon tea is a great way to meet people and have a chat over some lovely home made cakes. We serve a fantastic selection of sandwiches and cakes for just ÂŁ5. Depending on the time of year there are sometimes special treats like home made scones with fresh cream and jam, hot cross buns at Easter with special Easter cakes, crumpets and teacakes, and at Christmas we have a very festive tea.

The dATes FoR The ReMAindeR oF This yeAR ARe: 4 June 9 July

6 Aug 3 Sept

1 Oct 5 Nov

3 Dec

Linda and Kay open the doors at 3pm and stay open until 5pm. Over the months strangers have become good friends and they all would love to welcome you or someone you know who likes a nice afternoon of great cakes and conversation. You can contact the office if you have any questions on 01202 894858.

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The bARRingTon MAgAZine | issue seven

Learning is Fun

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By Eleanor Green and Jan Gransden

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The U3A and the Barrington are a perfect pair. They both provide a comfortable, caring, social and learning facility.

to week with an average of twelve people. We are a self help group and work at different skill levels, from novices to competent artists, but we all share the love of painting. Our group leader sets us challenges from time to time, which we can choose to participate in or not. Everyone in the group is friendly and supportive. Occasionally professional artists are invited to give helpful, interesting demonstrations to us. All contributions are well received.

There is a well equipped kitchenette for our mid morning break, which is also very handy for the U3A Friday coffee mornings. These are social occasions but also entertaining and informative. A recent presentation was by a member of the Poole RNLI. The Creative writing group will be reading their words at a future date.

Together, both Eleanor and Jan represent a major part of the Ferndown social scene.

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ny newcomer immediately feels the welcome that the Barrington Centre gives out. The U3A offers numerous classes to join, whatever your interests or needs, be they physical or mental stimulation. You don’t know what you can do until you try! There’s dancing, singing, playing with paint... there’s crafting, creative writing, discussions and dining. The list is long and always open to new additions. If you have an interest to offer you will be welcomed with open arms. Going to a class is stimulating, motivating and good for your health, as well as your social life.

At the Barrington there are morning and afternoon groups and evening meetings of various societies. The History society is one that comes to mind, with no need to memorise dates or facts, just to enjoy.

There was recently a talk about “Mr. Selfridge” which left us both enlightened and entertained.

For me, art is a very enjoyable group. The numbers vary from week

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Whatʼs On Stage

AT The bARRingTon June 2017

July 2017

August 2017

sATuRdAy 3 June Local Market 10am

sATuRdAy 1 July Jive and Kicking 8pm

FRidAy 4 AugusT Wessex Chorus

sATuRdAy 3 June Jive and Kicking 8pm

FRidAy 7 July The Richard Ely Trust

sATuRdAy 5 AugusT Local Market 10am

sundAy 4 June Afternoon Teas

sATuRdAy 8 July Chicken Soup Choir

TuesdAy 6 June 50+ Forum

sundAy 9 July Afternoon Teas

sATuRdAy 5 AugusT The Barrington Fundraiser!

sATuRdAy 10 June Craft Fair 10am-2pm

FRidAy 14 July

TuesdAy 13 June Jive and Kicking 8pm

sATuRdAy 15 July LA Dance Performance 7.15pm

FRidAy 16 June Tony Waller’s Prohibition Jazz 7.30pm FRidAy 23 June Guitar Legends 7.30pm sATuRdAy 24 June Dancing with Jan TuesdAy 27 June Bingo FRidAy 30 June Bourne 2 Sing 7.30pm

Bootlegg Beegees 7.30pm

sundAy 16 July LA Dance Performances 2.30pm and 7.15pm FRidAy 21 July The Marty Wilde Show 7.30pm TuesdAy 25 July Bingo

sundAy 6 AugusT Afternoon Teas FRidAy 11 AugusT The Jets 7.30pm sATuRdAy 12 AugusT Perfectly Patsy Matinee 2.30pm sundAy 20 AugusT Barn Dance TuesdAy 22 AugusT Bingo sATuRdAy 26 AugusT Son of Mann

sATuRdAy 29 July Amie Knight Record Launch

All shows start at 7.30pm unless stated. doors open half an hour before. For full listings for all our events and to purchase online tickets please visit our website. www.barringtoncentre.co.uk.

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THE BARRINGTON MAGAZINE | ISSUE SEVEN

FERNDOWN POLICE COMMUNITY OFFICE The Ferndown Police Community Office is located inside the Barrington Centre, just inside the foyer. It is operated by police volunteers and is open daily (except Sunday) from 10.00 until 12.00. Please come in and see the wide variety of security devices and leaflets available.

Key Safes now available A few years ago we sold a key safe, this would be fixed to an outside wall, a spare key kept in it and the combination number given to people who would need access to your house (carers, delivery, relations, etc). We stopped selling these items as they did not have police approval. However, there is now a police approved version available and we have a supply at £35 each (pictured). A Neighbourhood Watch member is available to fit the safe for a small charge.

Card Defenders We also have Card Defenders which protect your contactless credit/debit cards from skimmers stealing your identity. These are available at 50p each.

Cycle Bells To enable you to be heard when cycling we have cycle bells at £1.50 in various colours complete with a clip on device

We also have various cycle locks including an alarmed version at £8 (pictured)

During Office hours we can be contacted on 01202 876219, but please be aware that this number should not be used instead of 999 (a crime is being committed or life is in danger) or 101 for other incidents.

We can also be contacted by email: ferndowncommunityoffice@btconnect.com The Community Office now has a website where you can find out about the services and products that we have. www.ferndowncommunityoffice.org

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Regular events at the barrington centre Monday

Contact

Tel. No.

01202 877468 01202 871495 01202 578048 01202 894858 07923 873400

Ballroom Dance - 2:30pm Adagio - Children’s Dance Classes - 2:00pm Ferndown Art Society - 7:30pm (M) Labour Party (Ferndown) - 7:30pm (M) Ferndown Historical Society - 7:30pm (M) Ferndown Camera Club - 7:30pm (F)

thursday

Contact

Tel. No.

Tuesday

Contact

Tel. No.

friday

Contact

Tel. No.

Soft play 4 Tots - 10:00am-12pm Bits & Bytes Computer Club - 2:30pm (F) Meditation - 4pm, 5:30pm, 7pm Ferndown Speakers - 7:30pm (F) Social Dance - 8:00pm (M)

Barrington Office Neil Barton Martin Handy Shirley Thompson Marna Williams

01202 894858 01202 861077 07864 029868 01425 480631 01202 871495

Hula & Toner, SalsaCise, Tai chi Soft play 4 Tots - 10:00am-12pm Yoga - 9:30am & 10:45pm Coffee Club - 10:00am Sequence Dance - 2:00pm

Leisure Centre Barrington Office Natalie Smit-Ash John Little Barrington Office

01202 877468 01202 894858 01202 944429 01202 980839 01202 894858

Body Combat, Zumba, PiYo Sequence Dance - 2:30pm Ferndown Drama Group - 7:45pm Free Cinema - 2:15pm Wessex Jitsu Club

Leisure Centre Marna Williams Chris Allen Box Office Fiona Richardson

Marna Williams Rebecca Godber Mrs S Gomm Gail Cropper Ken Cook Bill Stevens

01202 871495 01202 831394 01202 573050 01202 893779 01202 890084 01202 820719

wednesday

Contact

Tel. No.

Saturday

Contact

Tel. No.

Clarity Hearing - 9:30am Ferndown Art Society - 9:30am Penny's Patchers - 9:30am Alzheimers Society - 1:30pm (F) Strollers - 2:00pm (M) National Trust E D Assoc - 7:30pm (M) Absolutely W.I - 7:30pm (M) Ferndown Drama Group - 7:45pm French Circle - 7:30pm (M) Ferndown Wine Society - 7:30pm (M) Nuline Line Dance - 1:30pm Chess Club

Heather Cowell Mrs S Gomm Glenda Harford Jo Malyon Alan Welfare Janet Matthews Linda Barber Chris Allen Marion Lock Paul Fearnley Tina Summerfield Douglas Lock

01202 478881 01202 573050 01202 694847 01202 716393 01202 870644 01202 855001 01202 861750 01202 578048 01202 896984 01202 707128 01258 452643 01202 896984

New Horizons Club - 10:00am U3A (University of the Third Age) (During Term Times)

Rita Stubbs John Mullett

01202 280871 01202 874581

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F = Fortnightly | M = Monthly

For additional information of regular event please contact the box office.

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THE BARRINGTON MAGAZINE | ISSUE SEVEN

Coach Trips At the Barrington 22 JUNE

ASCOT LADIES DAY - £90.00

Enjoy one of the biggest occasions on the Fashion Calender.

Wear your daring millinery and flambouyant dresses for this special day. For added measure , have a great day at the races.

22 JUNE

KEW GARDENS - £39.50

See picturesque landscapes , colourful seasonal plants , tropical glasshouses full of botanic wonders. This is the world’s most famous botanic garden situated on the banks of the Thames River.

27 JUNE

ISLE OF WIGHT CIRCULAR TOUR - £42.50

Our scenic tour runs from Yarmouth to Newport passing Osborne House and Carisbrooke Castle. We journey through Sandown , Shanklin and arrive in Godshill in time for lunch. Then on to Ventnor , Blackgang and Freshwater Bay. We end our day back in Yarmouth in time for our ferry crossing to the mainland.

Dates Information

Dates Information

6 June 2017 Exbury Gardens 8 June 2017 Wareham River Cruise 15 June 2017 Dartmouth to Totnes Ferry 20 June 2017 Royal Ascot Ladies Day 22 June 2017 Kew Gardens , London 27 June 2017 Isle of Wight Circular Tour 3/5 July 2017 Guernsey Ferry Tour 11 July 2017 Kennet & Avon 17/19 July 2017 Amsterdam 27 July 2017 London Eye & Madame Tussauds 2 August 2017 Windsor Castle & River Cruise 8 August 2017 Hampton Court Palace & Flower Show 15 August 2017 Wells & Cheddar Gorge 22 August 2017 Bristol 25/27 August 2017 Edinburgh Tattoo, Settle Rail & York 31 August 2017 London Greenwich, 5 September 2017 Bletchley Park

11/13 September 2017 St Malo Ferry Trip 19 September 2017 Cardiff 26 September 2017 Concorde & Brooklands 3 October 2017 Powderham Castle , Ex River Cruise & Train 10 October 2017 New Forest Autumn Leaves Tour & Lunch 16/19 October 2017 Eden Project , St Austell & Charlestown 24 October 2017 Seaton Rail, Beer & Lyme Regis 31 October 2017 TBC 7 November 2017 Longleat 14 November 2017 Clark's Village, Street 21 November 2017 Shepton Mallet Carnival 28 November 2017 Bath Christmas Market 5 December 2017 Winchester Christmas Market 12 December 2017 London Christmas Lights 19 December 2017 Turkey & Tinsel Christmas Carvery

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The bARRingTon MAgAZine | issue seven

THE PURBECK BIG BAND The Barrington is a very special venue for the Purbeck Big Band having played there at regular dances and concerts successfully for over thirty years.

The band was formed in 1969 by a few dedicated musicians’ who wanted to re-create the great big band sound of the 30s, 40s and 50s.

Their first formal rehearsal was held in Wareham, hence the Purbeck name tag. Performances were booked at school PTA’s and similar functions, Wednesday evening concerts were held on Swanage bandstand which quickly brought a regular following amongst locals and tourists alike.

The band has performed in many concert venues and ballrooms in the south of England and have a loyal following of concert and dancing audiences. With a music library of over 900 arrangements, from old-time to big band jazz, the band can adapt to any requirement. They have performed at many events for charity raising tens of thousands of pounds for good causes.

With long experience of playing for dancing, they can accommodate all the modern ballroom dances including old-time.

They are willing to arrange and promote a full Big Band concert playing the music of Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Woody Herman etc. and Britain’s best, the great Ted Heath Band.

With a full Big Band line up of 5 saxes, 8 brass and 4 rhythm and guest vocalists as required, they can replicate the authentic big band sound.

The band would be pleased to quote for any function you may be considering, please contact: Alan on 01202 870689 or Tim on 01305 263005 “Also on Facebook” To listen to the band, visit their website at www.purbeckbigband.co.uk and choose ‘Listen to the band’

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MURDER FOR THE ASKING BY DEREK BENFIELD Review by Carol Waterkeyn

What would you do if someone asked you to commit murder? The title of this play being performed by Ferndown Drama at the Barrington on 26-29 April was intriguing. Janine, Viewpoint’s editor, and I decided to go along on the first night so see if it lived up to our expectations.

Times are hard for the Scrubbs. Henry Scrubb, played superbly by Steve Hawker, is out of work. He answers a mysterious job advert in the paper that provides only a box number. Eventually Henry is interviewed in his home by the potential employer, James Franklyn (Lee Tilson) but before that he must get his wife out of their flat for the secret meeting.

The wonderfully performed Dora, aka Jenny Sibley, finally goes out but his nosy and glamorous young neighbour, Janet (Kristy Dixon), pops in unexpectedly and sees Mr Franklyn.

Henry is offered the job. It commands a payment of £3,000 but the catch – he must murder James Franklyn who says he is terminally ill. Henry is shocked and refuses.

However, Franklyn is later murdered, achieving his wish. Henry becomes the main suspect but professes his innocence to Detective Sergeant Thatcher (convincingly played by Chaz Davenport), although withholds some information about the earlier exchange between the two men, fearing it might incriminate him.

Dora, Henry’s wife, tries to get him to be honest about what really happened. She also learns about two other potential suspects who had answered the original advert. One is out of the country, but the other is the disreputable Fred Pender (acted by Richard Harker) who later appears in Henry and Dora’s flat.

Rita Franklyn, wife of the deceased, also turns up and is under suspicion of killing her husband. In true ‘whodunit’ tradition, it’s hard to work out who the real culprit was and kept us guessing to the end.

Directed by Paul Marcus, although an amateur production, the acting throughout was highly professional and the characters totally believable.

We enjoyed it immensely and at times it really did make us laugh out loud.

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