Autumn

I must apologise for taking so long to report on the last Wessex Women's Network meeting held here at the Cloud Hotel on September 25th. The speaker was Chrissie King who told us how she worked as an artist's model and muse and eventually became the wife of the artist. She illustrated her talk by showing slides of her work and how it had progressed over the years to the professional standard she has reached today. It was a thoroughly enjoyable and interesting presentation, I love to hear stories of women who have found a talent and become successful through sheer determination and hard work.

Speaking of which I was one of the judges on Thursday for the prestigious 'everywoman awards' that are celebrating their tenth year. I have been a judge for 6 years and every year I am blown away by the talent, determination and perseverance the finalists have. This year was no exception and the winners will be announced on Dec 5th at the Awards Ceremony held at the Dorchester Hotel Park Lane. If you would like to attend this very exciting event go to www.everywoman.com

The World's Biggest Coffee Morning held at the Cloud Hotel in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support raised £435-00 and thank you to those of you who supported it. Numbers were way down this year as more and more people are holding coffee mornings so I think you were all very generous and thank you.

The next charity event is the Christmas Dinner for members and their partners to be held at the Cloud Hotel Brockenhurst on Friday Dec 14th 7 for 7-30pm. The Highcliffe Junior Choir will start the evening off with a selection of Christmas Carols followed by a three course traditional Christmas Dinner and a glass of wine at £30-00 per person. All proceeds go to Macmillan Cancer Support, places are limited so do book early to avoid disappointment. To book call 01590 622165 payment is by cash or cheques only and cheques should be payable to Macmillan Cancer Support.

I am really looking forward to welcoming our next speaker to the Wessex Women's Network dinner meeting on Tuesday 23rd October. Viv Oyulo is a radio presenter on Dream Corner a radio show and on-line hub of interviews inspiring women of all ages to follow their dreams and passion. My daughter Amanda and I were interviewed by Viv earlier this year and it was a very enjoyable experience. Viv has a bubbly personality and is inspirational herself and great fun.  I hope I shall have the pleasure of welcoming you on October 23rd  to hear Viv's story.

I can't believe the clocks go back at the end of the month and winter is on the way, where did the summer go? Or did it come at all?

Don't forget if you want to get together with other members of the network the conservatory is a secluded area where you can enjoy morning coffee [ cappuccino, latte or espresso] or afternoon tea or in the winter months sit by the log fire in one of our cosy lounges.

Finally  'Use the talents you possess because the woods would be a very silent place if no birds sang except the best'

Enjoy the Autumn

Bye for now

Avril

Patience, Persistence, Perseverance and Passion

I have no academic qualifications but what I do have is a determination, perseverance and a desire to be the best I can be in whatever I do. I'm also not an athlete but my ballet training was as demanding as an athletes and I was always striving to become a better dancer.  The whole country has enjoyed the success of the Olympic and now the Paralympic athletes who have worked and trained tirelessly for often several years to achieve their goals. Some have won medals, some haven't but every one of them has a determination to succeed, perseverance and a desire to be the best they can be. Many have had to overcome adversity but I just love their positive attitude and we could learn alot from them as a Nation  by having their winning mindset in business and seeing Great Britain grow quicker. Patience, persistence  perseverance and passion make an unbeatable combination for success and every competitor in the Games has these qualities.

I think we should strive to be the best we can be as women and as business leaders. We could learn alot from these athletes, be inspired by them and take their steely determination into our own businesses. Go that extra mile and have that competitive edge.

On Wednesday 26th August Judy Clements MP and Lena Samuels JP [of BBC Radio Solent] gave the   Wessex Women's Network a most entertaining and interesting talk on being a Magistrate. The next meeting is on Tuesday 25th September when Chrissie King will give us an insight into her life from  model to artist.

The Cloud Hotel is once again taking part in 'The World's Biggest Coffee Morning' on Friday September 29th from 10-15 to 11-45am. All proceeds go to Macmillan Cancer Support please come along, bring your friends and help us to raise as much money as possible for this very worthwhile charity.

This year we are holding a Christmas Dinner for members and their partners on Friday December 14th 7 for 7-30pm and all the proceeds will be going to Macmillan Cancer Support. The price is £30-00 per person and will include a three course Christmas Dinner and all the trimmings. The Highcliffe Junior Choir will start the evening off with a selection of Christmas Carols. Book early as places are limited. Payment is either cash or Cheque made payable to Macmillan Cancer Support.

If you would like to meet up with friends or business colleagues why not meet at the Cloud Hotel and you can now enjoy cappuccino, latte or espresso coffee in one of our lounges, the conservatory or the secluded garden when it's fine!

I look forward to seeing you

Avril

Going for Gold

How fantastic it is to see the Women GB Team achieve such wonderful results and win so many medals at the Olympic Games. Just think it was only in 1900 that women were allowed to compete in the Olympics for the first time in Paris at that time there were 997 competitors and only 22 were women. This is the first year that women have been represented in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Brunei and even then only a small minority of women were in their teams. They have taken one small step in the right direction to open more opportunities for other women in their countries making a strong statement that women from these countries are determined to be allowed to take part in these events. However there is still a long way to go before all women can say we have equal opportunities in all areas of our lives and we have to keep fighting for it. I have three daughters and two granddaughters and I want them to have  real equal opportunities so they can work hard and be proud of their achievements.  I am proud to promote women and believe that women should have the same opportunities as men and have a choice. All the time we sit back and let the men control us nothing will ever change for the future generation of women.

Unfortunately the meeting on August 1st had to be postponed due to the lack of response, Jan felt that it wasn't really fair to ask a speaker to come to speak to such a small group of women so we will book David Saunders again sometime next year. The next meeting will be on August 29th when Judy Clements JP and Lena Samuels JP will  discuss their work as Magistrates I hope to have a good response to this event and look forward to welcoming you as their talk is set to be a fascinating insight.

I have just returned from a week in the sun with my eldest daughter and feel refreshed, relaxed and ready to go back to work. I believe everyone should take time out of their business and have the confidence that it will continue to operate without you being there. It is also important for your wellbeing as holidays recharge our bodies as well as our minds and give you time for yourself and with your family.

A date for your diary is Friday September 28th when the Cloud Hotel will be taking part in the Worlds Biggest Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Please do come along and bring your friends to help boost the funds for a very worthy cause for which I am an Ambassador.

Finally wouldn't it be lovely if the spirit of the Olympics continued after they had finished and we all had a much happier and positive attitude to life! You never know how close you are so never give up on your dreams.

Avril

Smell the Coffee at the Cloud

For many years we have only served filter coffee at the Cloud Hotel but we are now able to offer a selection of  popular coffees. Come and unwind and catch up with friends and family in a relaxed environment and smell the coffee at the Cloud. Enjoy either a cappuccino, latte or expresso coffee in one of our cosy lounges, conservatory or secluded garden on a warm summer's day!

The Charity Cream Tea we held on Sunday 15th July as part of Hampshire Fare was a great success and even the sun came out. We raised £800-00 that was shared between Jacksplace at Naomi House children's hospice and the Variety Club Children's Charity. Thank you to everyone who supported us and a special thanks to Linzi Luker of Linzi's of Lymington who donated the scones, 3663 who donated the strawberry jam and Wrights Dairies who donated the clotted cream. Barry Rickman organised a successful raffle that helped to boost the funds.

It's the last call for the NatWest everywoman Awards for inspirational female entrepreneurs. If you have a story to tell now is the time to share it by either nominating yourself or someone else who you think deserves the recognition of their achievements. You have until 5pm Thursday July 26th to get your nomination in so don't miss this opportunity for you to shine. I am one of the judges for the awards and have been for the past 6 years and I know that winning an award or even being shortlisted can help to drive your business forward. More details  NatWest everywoman awards.

Speaking of successful entrepreneurs I am reading Richard Branson's latest book 'Screw it Let's Do It'. Lessons in life and Business. For those of you who have goals and dreams and have challenges you want to chase however big or small this book is a great read and will help you to achieve things you never thought possible. I'm loving it.

The next Wessex Women's Network meeting is on Wednesday August 2nd 6-30 for 7pm. The title 'Drs Who Kill'   but don' be put off by the title because I am assured that David Saunders gives a very amusing and entertaining talk.

Earlier this year Susan Bentley asked if anybody had any pillowcases they didn't want as she makes dresses for the girls in Africa. She has sent me some photos of the girls in their dresses and they just look so happy they make you want to smile. These children are from Kisumu in Kenya which is a notorious slum area in the city. Susan would like more pillowcases if possible as she is hoping to make another 60 dresses in October. I will have the photos of the girls in their dresses available at the next meeting for you to see. If you have any pillowcases for Susan please bring them to The Cloud Hotel and I will make sure she gets them.

This terrible weather has affected some businesses badly but if you stay positive and control your costs rigidly you will survive these difficult times. They say the sun is on it's way so stay positive!!

'Surround Yourself Only With People Who Are Going To Lift You' Oprah Winfrey 


Negative people crush your dreams

Avril

Here comes Summer!

On Wednesday June 20th Wessex Women had the pleasure of hearing Chris Morley tell us about a day in the life of being the Butler to Lord Montagu of Beaulieu. It was not only very interesting but also amusing and we all thoroughly enjoyed his talk, it opened our eyes to how much is involved in the position and the long hours he works but he obviously thoroughly enjoys his job.

As I reported in my last Blog I was shortlisted in the Women 1st Shine Awards 2012 for a Lifetime Achievement. The award went to Jill Stein the ex wife of Rick Stein who between them have built up a business to include restaurants, a cookery school, a shop and it all started with one fish restaurant in Padstow. I felt honoured to have been shortlisted and I had a lovely evening at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel in London catching up with friends and enjoying a delicious meal.

I attended the Women 1st conference during the day and again met some interesting women and listened to some inspiring women speakers. All in all a great day.

Just a reminder that we are holding a charity cream tea on Sunday 15th July from  4pm until 5-30pm as part of the Hampshire Food Festival. All proceeds will be divided between Jack's Place at Naomi House and the Variety Club Children's Charity. Both charities do wonderful work for children and are worth supporting. To book your place tel 01590 622165. I'm hoping the weather will have improved so some of you can sit in the garden. The scones will be supplied by Linzi Luker of Linzi's Patisserie

The next Wessex Women's Network meeting is on August 1st when we will welcome David Saunders as our speaker. The title of his talk 'Dr's who kill',  apparently it's a very amusing and entertaining talk so don't be put off by the title! I expect some of you will be on holiday and if you are I hope you have a very relaxing and enjoyable time and find some sunshine!

Those of you who were at the last meeting will have noticed that the Garden Room has been refurbished by Jo from New Forest Interiors in Lymington. I am delighted with the result, Jo is one of our members and took over New Forest Interiors at the beginning of the year. If any of you have a special family celebration coming up maybe you would like to celebrate it in the Garden Room, it has direct access to the secluded garden where you can enjoy a pre-lunch or dinner drink in the summer months.

I continue to be a speaker at various events and meetings and get quite frustrated at the lack of confidence women still have. You all have enormous talents so believe in yourselves and use them.

One of my favourite quotes 'Use the talents you possess because the woods would be a very silent place if no birds sang except the best'

'If you cannot do great things do small things in a great way' Napoleon Hill

Hope to see you soon

Avril

Your Voice

On Tuesday May 22nd Amanda Smallbone gave a very interesting and entertaining talk to the Wessex Women on the 'voice'. Amanda impressed upon us how important your voice is and what it says about you as an individual and the impact it can make on another person either in your business or your personal life. Amanda is my eldest daughter and is the head of voice and choral studies at Winchester University. She is passionate about the voice and how so little importance is given to it. Although her talk was not about making us all singers she ended her presentation with getting us all to sing and raise the roof at the Cloud. It was great fun and we thought maybe we could form the Wessex Women's Network choir!!!

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations are in full swing and it is lovely to see the way these celebrations bring the community together with street parties and Jubilee lunches. We are all so busy with our lives that we are inclined to lose touch with our friends and neighbours but these events give us the opportunity to get together again.

Business is tough at the moment and it is only those companies who give 5 star service, control their costs and look after their staff who will survive this economic downturn. There is business to be won out their but you need to work hard at it and I really get fed up with all the negative people I meet. Negative people can crush your dreams and I really do believe that positive people create positive results and are a magnet for success.

'Surround yourself with people who are only going to lift you higher' Oprah Winfrey

I only believe in reporting positive news and although I'm not a great fan of TripAdvisor the Cloud Hotel has earned the 'Prestigious 2012 Certificate of Excellence Award' from TripAdvisor for consistently good reviews and recommendations from travellers who have stayed at the Cloud. Praise must go to my hard working staff. 

After 36 years in hospitality and alot of hard work I have been shortlisted for a Lifetime Achievement Award. Women 1st Shine Awards recognise female achievement in hospitality, passenger transport, travel and tourism I am up against 4 other very strong candidates but I'm just thrilled to have been shortlisted. The Awards take place on Tuesday June 19th at a glittering gala dinner at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel in London hosted by Emma Forbes of radio and television. Details of all the awards can be found on www.people1st.co.uk/women1st

The next Wessex Women's Networking meeting is on Wednesday 20th June when Chris Morley - Butler to Lord Montagu of Beaulieu will tell us about "A day in the life of a Butler". 

Finally

'You can't fall if you don't climb but there's no joy in living your whole life on the ground'  

The first step is the hardest but if you don't take that first step you will never know what you might have achieved!

Avril

News

In my last Blog I told you all that the speaker Dennis Tomlin for the March meeting did not turn up and that if anyone had any news of Dennis Tomlin could they please let me know. Jan Hoy has just heard from his son that he collapsed on the day he was due to talk to us and he was rushed to hospital in a coma, sadly he has since passed away. It was such a mystery to Jan as he didn't seem the sort of person to let us down. I thought those of you who were at the meeting that evening should know what had happened
Of course Jan sent his family our sympathy and thanked him for letting us know and for solving the mystery.

I look forward to welcoming you to the next meeting on Tuesday May 22nd when Amanda Smallbone will be the speaker. Amanda will give you an insight into how to build your confidence when making a presentation. Read Amanda's profile on the Wessex Women's Network website to find out how important your voice is and how you present yourself.

A date for your diary is Sunday July 15th when we will be holding a Cream Tea at the Cloud Hotel between 4pm and 5-30pm. All proceeds will be shared between Jack's Place at Naomi House and The Variety Club of Great Britain who raise money for disadvantaged children. Booking is essential and you can book by calling the Cloud Hotel on 01590 622165.

I hope the weather will have improved by then and we will be-able to sit in the garden!

One has to be optimistic, even about the weather


'What a stumbling block is to a pessimist, is a stepping stone to an optimist' Eleanor Roosevelt

Best wishes

Avril