Every time I visit Aldingbourne Country Centre, the bunch asks the same question:
“When are you coming back?”
Thanks to Banana Currency, the answer is always: we’ll get another date in the diary.
Over the past few months, Banana Currency has enabled regular POWER experiences for Aldingbourne Trust, a charity supporting adults with autism and learning disabilities. Rather than a one-off visit, it’s created the opportunity to return month after month, build real relationships and become part of a community that now feels very special to me.
My time with the Aldingbourne bunch is filled with signature POWER: music, conversation, imagination, reflection, big dreams and small acts of courage. We journal on bananas, sparking conversations about what we love about our lives, the messages we’d like to share with the world, and what we hope might be possible in the future.
One favourite prompt invites the bunch to finish the sentence:
“In my wildest dreams…”
The answers are brilliant. And a reminder that dreams belong to all of us.
We physically explore those ideas too. We punch out fears, doubts and limitations, and play imaginary tug of war, pulling confidence, courage, self-belief and hope a little closer. Together, we explore what might be possible if fear, doubt and other people’s expectations didn’t hold us back.
Perhaps the greatest privilege of returning regularly is seeing what begins to unfold over time. Confidence grows when people feel seen, heard, encouraged and celebrated for who they are.
Elaine created a warm, welcoming space where everyone felt comfortable to join in, enjoy music, reflect on future ambitions and celebrate this moment in time together. There were with smiles all round and confidence grew as everyone got involved.
Such a brilliant, uplifting workshop. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with one person saying they came away feeling content and really, how many people can say that after a day’s workshop?
For me, some of the most powerful moments happen before the experience even begins. A shout of “BANANE!” across the car park. Familiar faces. New faces. Always, pure joy.
Over time, what started as regular POWER experiences has grown into something much more. I’ve had the privilege of being invited to judge Aldingbourne’s Got Talent and start their annual Santa Charity Run at Goodwood Motor Circuit. Both felt like a huge honour and a reminder that the most meaningful relationships are built one visit, one conversation and one banana at a time.
As POWER grows, I hope Banana Currency will allow me to support more charities close to the home of POWER and close to my heart. For now, I’m grateful to everyone whose generosity makes moments like these possible.
Help Create More Moments Like This
The generosity of the bunch and POWER partners is helping create opportunities for confidence, connection, courage and joy. If you’d like to help create more moments like these, I’d love your support.
donate to banana currency