Many of us enjoyed playing the guitar and the singing of happy songs (despite not always knowing the words). The weather was typically British. Friday was amazing – clear skies, sunny and gorgeous. The rest of the weekend, not so much.

Laura organised the lovely, seasidy holiday cottage for us. Cheers for that! It was situated right on the beach. Inside was “like a maze”, with “cozy” rooms, and “individual and idiosyncratic” beams (quite literally – they weren’t always structural!). There enormous dining room table received many compliments, which accommodated all 18 of us.

Thought the house was spot on, loved the sophisticated-rustic balance, the chance to fully enjoy the sea views whilst staying warmly cocooned from the gales and the fact that it was right next to the pub (allowing me to drink two whole pints of cider without blowing my designated driver responsibilities).” – Ben

I was happy to sit in the conservatory all day.” – Katrina

Amazing. We should buy it.” MattG

It suited Team Rubber. I want to go again!” – Michaela

The house did have it’s quirks, though (rattling windows, temperamental cooker and casual hot water!) but these merely added to the charm.

More photos on our Team Rubber Flickr group, including the awesome panorama.

What were your highlights of the holiday?

• Andy: Lanterns!
• Matt: Pizzas, Photography, Sky Lanterns, Discovering Thatchers Gold
• Katrina: Swimming in the ocean and being covered in crustaceans in the sitting room
• Laura: Untying knots and the Friday walk on the beach
• Tim: Going swimming in the sea, the food, the lanterns and watching our cross-dressers
• Ian: Eating big breakfasts and dinners together and seeing people outside of work — true colours!
• Michaela: The amazing sunny day walking on the beach and the general atmosphere
• Rory: Lanterns, Friday’s sunny weather, and pancakes and bacon for breakfast
• Jenny: Playing the guitar and singing, and lighting the lanterns
• Alex: Thursday was fun and drunken and Friday was really nice out on the beach with the lanterns and fire
• Lisa: Everyone scoffing my American pancakes, hanging out with everyone, walking up the coastline and the night-time campfire
• Matt: Dreamlike, tasty, magical
• Kirk: The lanterns, and swimming with Tim and Alan
• Jess: All sitting down to dinner together, being right on the beach, the beach at night and sitting around in my pajamas til 6pm
• Ben: Mostly just being able to legitimately ‘hang out’ with the good folks of Team Rubber who happen to be some of the nicest, coolest people I know (it always feels like a bit of a shame when all I get to speak to them about is projects, budgets, clients and the like). Also enjoyed the fire and lanterns evening, the frequency of Boggle games and the indulgent opportunity to play some cheesy social guitar without being laughed at

What three words describe the holiday for you?

• Alex: Beardy. Windy. Happy.
• Laura: Relaxing. Extreme. Snotty.
• Katrina: Bonding. Comfortable. Cute.
• Ian: Wind. Sea. Fire.
• Michaela: Relaxing. Fun. Epic.
• Rory: Pure Dorset Gold
• Jess: Chilled. Windy. Relaxing.
  (Jess: Is chilled the same thing as relaxing? Me: Not unless you meant the other kind of chilled, especially at night)
• Lisa: Great Mad Fun
• Kirk: Team Rubber Holiday
• Andy: Sun.  Hurricane.  Fire.
• Ben: Ace. More, please.

In summary, according to Jenny, it was the “Best fun you can have with your clothes on!”