Short(ish) month notes for August.
I’ve spent the last week not working, which has been much needed. I’ve been feeling a little burnt out after a busy summer, and by last Friday I was running on empty.
In work
Focus this month has been finishing off and writing the reports for the 2 reviews I mentioned in my July notes. This is always a difficult part of this sort of work, while we try and balance exposing uncomfortable truths with recommendations that will actually make a difference.
Most of the time we get this right - but sometimes it doesn’t quite work and doesn’t land properly - that’s what happened with the first of the reports, which needed quite a bit of rework.
The big piece of client work we expected to kick off in August landed just as I (and other colleagues) were about to go on holiday - which is what always happens. Despite that, I think we got everything moving quickly enough, and left it in capable hands.
Board…
Work on the long term strategy continues. The team has spent the last few months out listening to people from around Gwent. They’ve talked to several thousand people at this point - with a few more weeks still to go.
I’ve been really impressed with the way the team have gone about this work - putting so much time and effort into just listening and learning before writing and designing anything.
Typically strategies are written, and then there’s a consultation. We’ve flipped this on its head - and I think it’s going to lead to something that is much more useful.
I’m also glad that they’ve kept publishing updates on what they’re doing and hearing along the way.
Elsewhere…
We’ve taken advantage of the (relatively) good weather and time off for long walks and visiting castles.
Ann & I have also had a few meals out:
- Heaney’s in Cardiff: a short walk from the city centre, our second visit and another great tasting menu
- Gwen in Machynlleth: a small restaurant with just 8-10 seats. Amazing food, fantastic atmosphere and experience
- Newport Market: food court with various ‘street food’ restaurants including Bab Haus, which makes the most amazing beef tacos. Our second visit - this time for my Birthday. Will go again.