a few seasons for the planting to really come into its own and look as spectacular as it already did in my head.
‘And therefore, I’ve decided to organise something else for people to enjoy in the run-up to Christmas and possibly beyond. Something inspired by mine and Kate’s visit to see her family in Wynbridge last year.’
‘Does this have anything to do with the Winter Wonderland you mentioned last week?’ asked Graham.
‘It does,’ said Luke. ‘The grounds at Wynthorpe Hall, which is a large country estate, were set up with all sorts of activities for locals to enjoy in the gardens and woods and I want to do something similar here. There’s no room for reindeer and we couldn’t cope with a constant stream of visitors, so I’ve adapted the Wynthorpe Hall extravaganza and what I’m suggesting is four weekends of workshops and demonstrations, happening outside and in the house too, called Winterfest.’
‘Winterfest,’ Graham whispered next to me, trying the word on for size.
‘What I’m imagining,’ said Luke, warming to his theme, ‘are six, possibly eight workshops initially, one on a Saturday and another on a Sunday, based around nature, food and the winter season, happening both in the garden and indoors, that folk can sign up to take part in.’
‘That sounds like a wonderful idea,’ said Heather.
‘I agree,’ added Poppy.
‘So, where do we come in?’ asked Graham.
I could tell from his tone that he was keen to play a part.
‘Well,’ said Luke, biting his lip as he looked around at his neighbours and friends, ‘I know I said I’m going to organise it, but I’m hoping that some of you might consider running the workshops.’
‘Us?’
‘Yes,’ said Kate, stepping up to stand next to Luke. ‘We know that it’s a big ask, especially in the run-up to Christmas, and that everyone’s time is limited, but you’re such a talented bunch, that we’re hoping you’ll consider sharing your skills and helping us come up with a programme of events.’
‘We haven’t got long,’ said Luke. ‘I had been looking to book demonstrators and instructors but they’re either too expensive, too far away or already booked.’
‘When are you hoping to start?’ someone else asked.
‘November twenty-eighth,’ Luke announced, wincing a little as he said it.
‘But that’s just three weeks away,’ gasped Carole.
‘I know,’ said Luke. ‘I know.’
The level of chatter amongst the group began to rise.
‘Why have you left it so late?’ called the unidentified voice again.
Luke shrugged and Kate shook her head.
‘It’s impossible,’ said Lisa. ‘You’ll never get anyone to sign up in time.’
‘If we can come up with a programme,’ said Luke, ‘I can use my media contacts to spread the word and I’m hoping Ryan will help out with the Grow-Well social media accounts to share the news even further.’
‘You can rely on me boss,’ Ryan called back, giving Luke a thumbs up.
‘I’m going to leave the idea with you over the weekend,’ shouted Luke, but I wasn’t sure anyone was still paying attention.
I listened to the excited chatter around me, especially from Graham who was already mulling over who could possibly do what, and the penny dropped. I looked back to Luke who grinned at me and winked, confirming what I had just worked out.
This was his way, I realised, right down to leaving it all until the last minute to give everyone, but especially him and Graham, a sense of purpose and something to focus on as the weather shifted from autumn to winter and the darkness crept in. If I did end up asking Graham to help me too, he certainly wouldn’t have time to worry about, or even notice, the shorter days!
‘Graham and I aren’t the only ones who feel it,’ Luke said, once he had made his way over to me, ‘and I’m hoping some other locals who struggle will sign up to take part and feel better for doing it. I’m not expecting to turn a profit from the venture, but the mental health benefits are going to be far better than a healthy bottom line.’
‘But why now?’ I asked.
‘Why not? Don’t you think it’s a good idea?’
‘I think it’s a wonderful idea,’ I told him, ‘but surely it would have been better timed to have it after Christmas. January and February can be pretty depressing, especially once the celebrations are forgotten and the twinkly lights are packed away.’
‘I never said this was going to be a one-off,’ Luke pointed out. ‘If we can pull it off, then I’m planning to keep it going right