We’ve just returned from a fantastic weekend away in Baldersdale in County Durham, where we spent our time mountain biking, kayaking, playing Mallet’s Mallet, and of course, enjoying a few cheeky drinks together as a team.

On Friday afternoon, we bundled everyone together from our Newcastle and London offices and made our way to Baldersdale, which sits within an area of outstanding natural beauty in the heart of the Teesdale Valley.

After we dumped our bags, stretched our legs, and took in the spectacular views, it was time for the afternoon’s entertainment – the TH_NK sports day, complete with egg-and-spoons, human wheelbarrows, and everyone’s favourite, the good old-fashioned three-legged race. It was a close call, but the winning title went to ‘Wor Team’ who proudly accepted their High-School Musical goody bags which were cram-packed with sweets, bouncy balls, hacky sacks, wooden toys, and other funky retro paraphernalia.

The weather was cold, damp and drizzly (yep, a typical late summer’s day in Britain), but that didn’t stop us from firing up the barbie and enjoying a few drinks together in the great outdoors.

During the evening, we entertained ourselves with an X-Box karaoke marathon, a crazy session of Mallet’s Mallet, some break-dancing (mentioning no names), and an expedition to rescue a sheep which was stranded in the middle of a river. We got soaked, but you’ll be pleased to know, the sheep got saved.

Saturday was spent by most of us cycling, kayaking, playing games and chilling out in and around the area. For those who were a bit worse for wear, a strong coffee and a stroll in the valley was enough activity for one day, thank you very much.

The TH_NK away day is in an important event in our social calendar and something we all look forward to. This year was no exception. It was great for us all to catch up socially for two nights and for the London and Newcastle teams to spend so much time together (and in some cases, meet each other for the first time). We can’t wait for next year already.

Rebecca BrownHR Manager, TH_NK

Check out the pictures on Flickr to see more fun and games from the weekend.