Lakeside AquaPark

With the recent heatwave, we've been doing whatever we can to keep cool. Last Saturday, I took Brandon, Maia and Holly to Lakeside AquaPark for an afternoon of inflatable fun on the lake. Unfortunately, both Joshua and Tina were working, so they couldn't join us.

With temperatures soaring above 30°C, it was the perfect way for the kids to burn off some energy while staying cool. We actually hadn't visited for a couple of years, and it was amazing to see how much the AquaPark has changed in that time, with plenty of new inflatables and obstacles to tackle.

Rather than ramble on, I'll let the photos do the talking—they capture the fun far better than I ever could!

Lifejackets on and ready to go.

Entering the lake.

Brandon being a gentlemen and splashing Maia.

Maia traversing the bridge whilst Brandon falls through the dome!

Maia launching herself to try and send Brandon flying off the pillow.

However she slips and only manages to give Brandon a little back flip in to the water.

The 3 of them coming down one of the water slides.

Maia leaping off one of the higher inflatables.

Brandon's turn and keeping very good form and sensibly blocking his nose.

Even Holly had a go but got  bit sideways.

Again the 3 of them about to splashdown off a slide.

Then Brandon's turn to jump on the pillow and try to launch Maia.

That's better, he sends her in to orbit.

Only an hour on the water but that was enough as they were all knackered.

Time for a Costa.

Brandon's Work Experience at Dunton & Meeting Daniel Ricciardo

Before breaking up for the end of his first year of sixth form, Brandon was required to complete two weeks of work experience. Just as I did for Joshua earlier in the year, I managed to secure him a placement at the Ford Dunton Research & Engineering Centre.

His main placement for the fortnight is in the Tech Lounge. As Brandon is still undecided about what he wants to do as a career and is studying quite a varied mix of A-levels—including Economics, Sociology and ICT—it seemed like the perfect opportunity to experience a broad range of technology and engineering activities.

Just as it was with Joshua, I'm thoroughly enjoying being able to share a little of my day-to-day life at Dunton with Brandon. It's been great grabbing coffees and having lunch together, and, just like his brother, he's been very impressed with both the quality and the value of the food in the staff restaurant. There's an added bonus for me too—I now get chauffeured to work every day! Brandon is using the commute as an opportunity to gain more driving experience, so I get to sit back and relax. While Josh pretty much lived on cooked breakfasts and turkey burgers during his placement, Brandon has been a bit more adventurous. Today's choice was venison pie with roasted potatoes!

Although he's only been at Dunton for three days, I think his work experience may already have peaked.

Yesterday we were lucky enough to attend a special event celebrating 125 years of Ford Racing, which included an hour-long Q&A session with Ford's racing ambassador—the one and only former Formula 1 driver, Daniel Ricciardo.

Listening to Daniel share stories from his racing career was genuinely fascinating, and if anything, the hour flew by far too quickly. He's one of those people who instantly puts everyone at ease—always smiling, full of energy, and incredibly down to earth. Despite being a multiple Grand Prix winner, a successful entrepreneur with his own clothing brand, and now driving a Ford Raptor, he came across as genuinely humble. It was an absolute pleasure to meet him.

After the Q&A, we all gathered outside Dunton for a group photo with Daniel before heading down to the high-speed test track. A handful of lucky attendees were then treated to passenger rides driven by Daniel himself in two Ford GTs and a classic Ford Escort RS Cosworth rally car!

As I said, I think Brandon's work experience may have peaked rather early. I'm not sure many of his classmates will be able to say they met—and spent time with—a former Formula 1 driver during their work experience!

Day 1 of Brandon's work experience at Dunton.

Celebrating 125 years of Ford Racing with Daniel Ricciardo and Jim Baumbeck (FoE President).

Brandon sneaking a selfie with the living legend.

One of the older GT's Daniel was driving around the test track.

Probably seemed slow for an F1 driver. Our track is limited to 70mph (for us) but it is rumoured he was hitting 155mph on the straights.

This beats was the slightly newer Ford GT he drove.

Then there was the classic Escort Cosworth Rally car.

Daniel casually swapping between cars, what a life this man has!

Getting strapped in to the Cosy.

District Shot Putt and Maths Award

About two weeks ago, Holly represented Beauchamps High School at the District Athletics Championships in the shot putt. Luckily, the event was held on a Friday over lunchtime, and as I usually work from home on Fridays, I was able to take an extended lunch break to go along and cheer her on.

Holly had three throws in total. Unfortunately, her first and third attempts were ruled as fouls after both drifted left and landed out of bounds. Her second throw measured an impressive 5.52 meters, which earned her 12th place out of a field of 17 competitors. Even better, she finished as the highest-placed girl from her school and came very close to matching her personal best.

Action shot of Holly on her 1st throw.

Unfortunately she hooks it left.

Form looking a lot better on her second throw.

Manages to keep this one in for a distance of 5m 52cm.

Tina also had the pleasure of attending a special Maths Presentation Evening after receiving a coveted invitation on Holly's behalf. We were incredibly proud to see Holly recognised with an Outstanding Effort and Commitment certificate—a well-deserved reward for all the hard work and dedication she has shown throughout the year.