RRA Architects, recently invited their entire team along with their partners and children on a well-deserved break to Center Parcs as a thank you for all their hard work. This biannual trip provides the perfect opportunity for the team to unwind, strengthen bonds, and have a fantastic time. Although, we missed Claire Ashdown, who, understandably, decided it would be too much for her with a very new baby, we were thrilled that everyone else could join us, and we even welcomed new team members who are yet to officially start at RRA.
The team demonstrated an impressive level of culinary skill with their dishes.A mouth-watering array of desserts.Al fresco eating on Friday night.
The event commenced on Friday night with a delightful feast fit for a (newly crowned) king, as everyone contributed a dish to share with the team. It was an impressive showcase of culinary skills, with each person bringing their unique flavours and creations to the table. Oliver Cooke coordinated the food and provided an extra array of mouth-watering desserts that everyone enjoyed.
We were delighted to have five of the RRA team’s children joining us. They were each given an activity backpack to enjoy.The childrens glasses were a big hit.Rocking the monkey glasses look.Three of the children playing their own special version of pool.
Following the meal, an award ceremony orchestrated by Sarah-Jane Bonner and Steffany Hancock recognised the team’s hard work and dedication. It was a moment of pride and joy for everyone as they were acknowledged for their outstanding contributions to life at RRA.
RRA Associate, Tom Froggatt, was awarded the Dogfather Award, for his fantastic dog training skills with his four-legged friend, Willow.RRA Project Designer, Becca Jenkins, won the ‘Cool As A Cucumber Award’ for her ability to remain calm in all situations.Senior Project Designer at RRA, Steve Graves, won the ‘HR would like to see you award’ for his ability to choose very interesting company gifts.RRA’s Steffany Hancock won the Hamster Award for constant nibbling in the office, although she does have a very good reason.RRA Associate, Pete Nickols, won the Newcomer Award – although only second place as there was someone even newer to the company than Pete (to be announced soon).RRA Managing Director, Mark Powles, won the award for ‘The Person You Would Least Want To Do An Escape Room With.’Powles Group and RRA Business Manager, Jane Cooke, won the ‘Chancellor Of The Exchequer’ Award, complete with a red briefcase.RRA Project Designer, James Lovering, retained his title for the second year running of ‘Batchlor Of The Year’ for being the most eligible singleton in the office.
The fun continued on Saturday with a joint breakfast at the Pancake House, followed by free time for everyone to pursue their interests.
RRA Managing Director, Mark Powles, up early for his morning run – just wondering who would join him (spoiler – no one joined him).The sun streaming through the trees on our first morning waking up at Center Parcs for the RRA 2023 Team Getaway.Saturday morning ready for breakfast at the Pancake House.Ready for breakfast pancakes.Enjoying the childrens extras at the Center Parcs pancake house.
In the evening, the team came together for the lively ‘EuRRAvision’ celebration, coinciding with the Eurovision Song Contest. There was music, laughter, and some remarkable fancy dress outfits, creating a truly memorable experience.
RRA Project Designer, Sarah-Jane Bonner, organised a fantastic EuRRAvision Party for Saturday night with prizes for the best costumes and a sweepstake for the Eurovision Song contest.There were some impressive entries for the RRA EuRRAvision Fancy Dress competition.
PA to the Director, Steffany Hancock and her family won the award for the ‘Best Family Costume’ representing Greece at the EuRRAvision party.RRA Project Designer, James Lovering, won the Best Individual Costume for his outstanding effort.
RRA Project Designer, Sarah-Jane Bonner and partner, Jack, won joint Best Couple Costume.
RRA Associate, Alex Gibbons and his family, won the magnum of European wine for the Eurovision Knowledge Quiz. We didn’t know he was such an expert in Eurovision.Presenting Queen Elsa, representing Arendelle, with her medals for excellent behaviour.Watching the results of the Eurovision Song Contest.
Throughout the weekend, the team engaged in various games and activities, including many skilful (and not so skilful) rounds of ‘Killer’ at the pool table, with pool ace Tom Froggatt winning the first game – and quite a few more.
Who had a mispent childhood? Playing ‘Killer’ at the pool table certainly highlighted a few.The RRA team playing ‘Killer’ on the pool table.A very determined driver enjoying the mini Land Rover experience at Center Parcs – sadly only for children.
Sunday afternoon brought forth the competitive spirit as everyone vied for the title of Top Ten Pin Bowler, with Tom Bale emerging as the victor.
Sunday afternoon bowling. Tom Froggatt lost his crown to new Bowling Champion, Tom Bale. We’re looking forward to the rematch.The RRA team children enjoyed the bowling too and did very well.
A special thanks to Tom, Becca, Steff, and Jord for bringing pizza ovens and hosting the ‘make-your-own pizza’ party on Sunday evening—a hugely fun and enjoyable experience for everyone, especially the children.
Pizza prep time.
Everyone was able to get involved in the pizza making.Lots of choice of toppings to cater for everyone with the pizza party.Sunday night fun with a make your own pizza party.Having fun making chocolate pizza’s.
The entire weekend was a resounding success, providing an excellent opportunity for team members to forge stronger connections outside the workplace, relax, recharge, and build lasting relationships. It was also testament to RRA Architects commitment to its employees, their families and the well-being of the whole company.
A corking good night playing Corks
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Jane Cooke for her exceptional organizational skills and dedication in bringing the event together over the past 18 months. A special mention goes to Oliver Cooke for his delectable array of desserts, outstanding potatoes, and coordinating the majority of the food for Friday and Saturday. We are also grateful to Sarah-Jane Bonner and Steffany Hancock for their efforts in organising the awards, many activities and all the prizes, as well as to Tom Bale and Rebecca Jenkins for their organising of the Pizza Party.
Lastly, Directors Mark Powles and Rachel Palmer would like to express their gratitude to the entire team, along with their partners and children, for their remarkable energy and enthusiasm, which played a vital role in making the weekend so incredibly memorable and enjoyable.
