Five Discover Circles, Cycles and New Adventures

It all began, as these things often do, with a return to where it started. Four years ago, back in 2021, our very first Getaway took place at Hawkwood, tucked away in the hills near Stroud. This week, we found ourselves back in that same beautiful place. It felt fitting, almost like closing a loop — or perhaps beginning a new one.

Monday brought clear skies and fresh spring air. We arrived as a team of five, ready to reflect on the past year and prepare for the one ahead. We spent time outdoors, soaking up the sunshine and sharing what had challenged us, what had lifted us, and what milestones had marked our journey through 2023/24. There was space for honesty, laughter, and a bit of quiet too. It set the scene for a day of open, meaningful conversation.

As the day unfolded, we worked through reflective art sessions, creative writing and mapping exercises. These gentle, thoughtful activities helped us reconnect; not just with our work, but with each other. We found shared values, common threads, and a strong sense of purpose. The slower pace let us look properly at where we’d been and where we might be headed next.

Tuesday turned the energy up a notch. With the help of an external facilitator, we explored the Theory of Change for GoCRP together. It was a chance to think more deeply about our work, to ask why we do it, what difference it makes, and what we want to see in the world. Past, present and future projects were all put under the microscope, and the conversations that followed were honest, challenging, and full of possibility.

By Wednesday, we were looking firmly ahead. What are our priorities? What do we want to achieve this year? What kind of change do we hope to help create? These weren’t easy questions, but they were important ones. Together, we started shaping a strategy for the year ahead, one rooted in care, ambition and local impact.

It was a brilliant way to start the new financial year. Taking time out in nature helped us reset, look after our mental wellbeing, and find a fresh sense of direction. We achieved what we set out to: reflecting on our forward impact across both Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire CRPs. New rail adventures were uncovered and explored, the strength of our team spirit was clear to see, and our plans for the future of GCRP and OxCRP sparked rich, thoughtful discussion. We also recognised the shared appetite for challenge and discovery in our group, and reminded ourselves that our travel planning superpowers are something special. We're excited to keep using them to support and inspire the communities we work with.

Here’s to the next chapter!