Networking weekends
SpeyGrian runs a series of networking weekends throughout the year in variety of locations using bunkhouses, bothies, and on one occasion a remote shooting lodge in the Highlands. The first networking week took place on the island of Eigg which was so popular that it returned the following year. Accommodation varies in size but normally takes around 20-25 people. For smaller venues, we've also topped up numbers by offering camping nearby.
We usually have some sort of activities on offer but there is no expectation to join in. These have included botanising, bird watching, poetry, beach art, fly-fishing, bushcraft, Tai Chi, storytelling, nature journaling, making creative journals using natural materials and geology. Last year we had the Puppet State Theatre Company join us, performing their acclaimed 'The Man who Planted Trees', as well as joining us for other group activities over the weekend.
We try to model the networking events on our underlying philosophy of sharing experiences - particularly outdoors. However we also think carefully about the venue and encourage people to reduce packaging & take home items for recycling - it's astonishing how much rubbish a big group can potentially produce in just two days! We also have a shared meal on Saturday evening with a focus on local produce.
No-one organises 'who brings what', instead allowing collaborations and activities to organically develop. Quite a few people in the group play musical instruments so the evening usually turns into a good session with those of us who aren't so proficient resorting to 'shakey eggs' or improvised percussion!
For further information about networking weekends or to find out about our plans for upcoming events, please don't hesitate to contact Joyce.
