Sunday 10 August 2014

Inspirational Women

I feel very guilty that I have not written a blog for the Wessex Women for so long! We have had some very busy events with some entertaining and inspirational speakers thanks to Jan Hoy and we have welcomed many new members. On August 5th we decided to have a meeting dedicated to the members who were given the opportunity to promote their business and it is interesting to hear the variety of businesses that our members run. Some of our members are retired but they are able to pass on their experiences as well as be interested in the ladies stories. We always have alot of fun and as you can imagine it's not always business that is discussed! After the presentations we enjoyed a two course dinner with wine and lots of chat.

As probably most of you who know me, know how passionate I am about encouraging women to fulfil their dreams and reach their full potential. I still attend conferences and seminars to hear inspirational women speakers and continue to develop my own skills as I feel I still have alot to learn. I attended the Women 1st conference in June and was blown away by some of the speakers who had achieved so much often with quite a struggle. An example of how a women can achieve against all the odds is Jacqueline Gold of Ann Summers. I had the privilege of speaking to her and not only is she an inspirational woman but also a lovely lady. If you haven't read her autobiography
 'A Woman's Courage' can I suggest that you do. Courage is something we all need if we want to succeed.

Women 1st supports women in hospitality, travel, leisure and tourism and I am delighted that I have been shortlisted for the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Women 1st Shine Awards 2014 especially as I didn't even know I had been nominated! The prestigious award ceremony and dinner  will be held on September 16th at the London Marriott Hotel and I am really looking forward to an enjoyable evening.

I am also a great supporter of Everywoman Ltd and am looking forward to judging the NatWest everywoman awards in October these awards recognise women from all walks of life and all of ages who have succeeded in business and have often overcome amazing adversity.

The next Wessex Women's Network meeting is on Wednesday September 10th 6-30 for 7pm. Speaker is Marion Emery who is a professional speaker I look forward to seeing you.

Finally don't forget to put Friday 26th September in your diary and come and support the World's Biggest Coffee Morning to be held at the Cloud Hotel from 10-30 til 11-45pm all proceed go to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Take care and burn brightly but don't burn out!

Avril

Monday 17 February 2014

Rain, rain go away and don't come back for many a day. I'm sure you are all fed up with the weather and I am really fed up with the reporting of the media who dramatise everything and affect businesses. My sympathy goes out to all those people whose homes and businesses have been flooded [my home was flooded 12 years ago so I know what it's like] but the whole of the South of England is not suffering from the floods so I wish they would be more specific. The New Forest is a large area and Brockenhurst is not flooded and the roads surrounding Brockenhurst are clear for people to visit. Not only is this negative reporting affecting businesses but it is also affecting people's jobs.

On a positive note the Wessex Women's Network met on February 13th to listen to Trevor Sapey give us an interesting and amusing talk on the Mary Rose. It was a very enjoyable evening and he certainly encouraged me to visit the Mary Rose Museum.

On Tuesday 11th February I went to the Mayfair Hotel in London to attend the Women 1st Top 100 Club reception and heard Carolyn McCall OBE Chief Executive of easy jet give an inspirational and thought provoking talk on her career and life as a working Mother of three. She took over easy-jet in 2010 and has transformed it into a successful airline. I always meet inspirational women at these events who motivate me and often give me new ideas for my business.

The next Wessex Women's Network event is on March 20th when author Shelby Locke will be giving a talk entitled 'What If' I look forward to welcoming you to the meeting and hopefully we will be experiencing some better weather by then.

Finally

"Giving people a little more than they expect is a good way to get back a lot more than you'd expect"

Robert Half

Til next time

Avril

Saturday 25 January 2014

A New Year

The first meeting of the year was held on Wednesday 22nd January when we heard Jane Walker MBE tell us her story as to how she founded the The Philippine Community Fund. What an amazing woman she is, we were all in awe of her and felt very humble. Her incredible life story of her many challenges in helping the people of the Philippines to have a better life is to be published in Spring 2014, look out for  'The Angel of the Dump.' For more details of her work and her charity go to www.p-c-f.org

Our next meeting will be on Thursday 13th February. Trevor Sapey will be giving a very interesting talk on the Mary Rose. Trevor is the visitors service manager of the Mary Rose Museum and I understand from people who have heard his talk it is worth coming to hear.

The following day is Valentine's day and for those romantics amongst you why not spoil your loved one to a candlelit dinner in the Encore Restaurant. Our 4 course dinner is served between 7pm and 9pm £39-50 to include a glass of bubbly and a table present. To book call 01590 622165

I'm sure like me you wish this rain would stop, I'm waiting for the animals to go by two by two! Spring is on the way and we must stay positive!

Surround yourself with people that make you laugh, life is too short to be anything but happy. Laughter is the the fastest way to the heart.

Hope to see you soon

Avril