Training in Wallingford

Wallingford Manor House

I had a two-day work-related training in Wallingford, Oxfordshire. It's about 27km away from the office.

Gothic architecture building

The training venue was an exciting one. It was located in a Manor House, where King Henry VIII was believed to frolic there with one of his wives. It didn't look like a training centre at all.

Impressive floor tile design

Huge green space, meandering River Thames, a massive horse stable and a 250-year old house all in one location. I would have thought it was a museum at first impression.

Panorama view of training room

The funny thing is that even the staff acknowledged the place is more interesting than the trainings they provide. They found themselves doubling up as tour guides whenever there are group trainings held there. Just like yesterday, we had a tour of the area during lunch.

I felt like I was having a holiday instead of training. If only all trainings can be like this.

A courtesy tour of the area by the staff

This brought to mind the Bok House, or commonly known as the Le Coq D'or, historical building in Kuala Lumpur that was demolished recently with much protest.

Regardless of whether we have the funds to maintain our dilapidated historical sites, this Wallingford example is a good one to show that clever solutions can make regeneration programmes happen. It does not necessarily need to be costly. Obviously, the option to demolish is the easiest one and a choice route usually taken by a wuss.

The Bok House - now you see it...

now you don't...