Dancing in the Rain

If you read my previous Blog and have seen the final quote 'Life's not about waiting for the storms to pass it's about dancing in the rain' little did I realise when I wrote it that we would be dancing in the rain and have been for too long. I think we are all waiting for the storms to pass so we can enjoy some sunshine and get out into the fresh air. So many events have been spoilt by the weather this month including the Isle of Wight Festival, the Test Match at The Rose Bowl, Ascot  and  all the school fetes and local events that so much work goes into to make the day a success. I have often wondered where the expression 'Flaming June' came from because June is often a very unsettled month, you only have to think about how many times the matches at Wimbledon have been interrupted because of rain and the weather isn't looking too promising for this coming week either!

However we must always look on the bright side of life and the weather cannot take away the companionship of family, friends and work colleagues. I attended the Annual Award Lunch of the Women in Banking and Finance at the Dorchester Hotel recently and over the years that I have been attending the event I have made friends with some inspirational women who are in the profession. The room is always buzzing with women of all ages who are trying to achieve and be recognised for their talent in finance, not always easy in a profession still dominated by men!

I have been invited to be a judge at the 'NatWest everywomen awards' again and I would encourage you to either nominate yourself or to nominate an inspirational woman that you feel should be recognised for her success. This is a prestigious award and the award ceremony is held at the Dorchester Hotel on December 7th.You can find details of how to enter at http://www.everywoman.co.uk/

I am looking forward to welcoming you to the next Wessex Women's event on Wednesday June 29th when Ron Taylor will be talking about the 'Spice of Life'. By then I hope we won't be still dancing in the rain but will be-able to enjoy some time together in our secluded garden before listening to Ron.

I am pleased to say that I am moving into the twenty first century and as well as having a Face Book page on the Cloud Hotel web page I have joined Twitter and am learning to Tweet so I need some followers!

Finally

OUR LIVES ARE LIKE THE COURSE OF THE SUN. AT THE DARKEST MOMENT THERE IS PROMISE OF DAYLIGHT. London 'Times' Editorial 1984

Let's hope the sun comes out soon

Avril

Looking Forward to Summer

I can't believe it is a month since William and Catherine were married, where has this month gone? I haven't even had time to write a Blog. I suppose it's far better to be busy than have time on your hands and I'm delighted how busy the hotel is but I'm still trying to find that work life balance everyone is talking about. Please let me know if any of you have managed it and how! Like most busy women I am trying to balance a business and enjoy my family, the grandchildren grow up so fast that it is important to try and spend some quality time with them.

On Tuesday May 24th the Wessex Women met at The Cloud Hotel expecting to hear Katherine Elizabeth to speak on her career as a Milliner. We waited and waited for her to arrive but when there was no sign of her by 7-30pm and we hadn't received a message we decided to network and enjoy dinner. We still don't know why she didn't come as we haven't been able to contact her? Luckily this is the first time a speaker has let us down and it turned out to be a very enjoyable evening with the ladies sharing some of their personal stories and having fun.

On May 11th I joined some of my staff to take part in the Midnight Ramble to Hurst Castle [and back!] to raise funds for Oakhaven Hospice in Lymington. Two of my daughters also came with me and we had a thoroughly enjoyable time although my legs ached the next morning. It's not the length of the walk that makes it hard going but the pebbles you have to walk on. However with my Nordic walking training with Karen Guttridge over the past few months I managed to finish the walk in good time this year. The Marine Cafe at Keyhaven did a great job providing everyone with refreshments on their return as well as a fun atmosphere with music and entertainers.

Last Thursday I attended a lunch and 'An Audience with Craig Revel Harwood' at The Christchurch Harbour Hotel. Having been a dancer myself I was keen to hear his story and what an inspirational story it is! He was very honest as well as amusing and I loved listening to how he started life as a chef when he left school in Australia to his career as a Drag Queen and how he is now one of the leading choreographers in this country. He also shared some amusing stories about Strictly Come Dancing where he is one of the most honest judges and as far as I'm concerned the best. If you want to know more about Craig's rise to fame buy his book 'All Balls and Glitter' but beware you do need to be broad minded. I personally can't wait to read it.

We are taking bookings for the New Forest Charity Cream Tea to be held at The Cloud Hotel on Sunday 17th July The price is £5-95 and all proceeds will be divided between Naomi House and the Countryside Education Trust at Beaulieu. Linzi Luker of Linzi's of Lymington will be providing the scones. This is an annual event and if you would like to come and support us and book a table please call The Cloud Hotel on 01590 622165.

The next Wessex Women's meeting is on Wednesday 29th June when we will have the pleasure of welcoming Ron Taylor on 'The Spice of Life'. He will be talking about the history of the herb and spice trade. I hope I will have the pleasure of welcoming you to the evening event although I know some of you will probably be on holiday then. If the weather is good we will be-able to have our drinks in the garden before enjoying dinner together.

I hope you are all having the opportunity to enjoy this lovely weather but whatever the weather is like remember ----

'Life's not about waiting for the storms to pass
 It's about learning to dance in the rain.   Vivian Greene

Until next time!
Avril

The Monarchy, Love and Marriage

What a wonderful and happy day April 29th was not only for William and Catherine but also the Nation. I sat glued to the television and I must admit I had a tear in my eye as Catherine walked down the aisle to marry her Prince, she looked quite beautiful. It really was a fairytale wedding that we all dream of! Two days before the wedding the Wessex Women gathered to hear Jake Simpkin give a talk on the Monarchy. It seemed a good time for us to learn about some of the history of the Monarchy and he gave a most interesting and entertaining presentation.

We have enjoyed such lovely weather this Spring and the New Forest is awash with colour. The bluebells are out and the gorse gives the New Forest a glow with its golden yellow flowers. I went on my Nordic walk with Karen yesterday and we heard the cuckoo in the woods heralding that Spring is really here. Exbury Gardens are in full bloom now too and well worth a visit.
'An award winning hat designer for any occassion' is the subject of the next Wessex Women's Network meeting on Tuesday May 24th.  Katherine Elizabeth is a London based award winning hat designer. Having seen some of the hats worn by the guests at the Royal wedding I am interested to hear her comments on some of them and to hear how she creates her hats and who for!

I am reading another good book that I would like to recommend to you. Apparently 'anything is possible if you dare to ask' according to Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen. As women, we seem to find it difficult to ask for what we want. The 'Aladdin Factor' will teach you simple techniques to overcome the fear of asking for what you want. I recommend  that you read it.

Finally 'You Never Really Lose Until You Quit Trying'   Mike Dikta

I look  forward  to seeing you on May 24th

Avril

Everyone Needs a Holiday

Everyone needs a holiday to refresh their body and mind, to be-able to relax and have a break from the routine of everyday life.  I have just returned from a lovely relaxing holiday in Cyprus, The hotel was excellent and the weather warm and sunny so I am now refreshed and ready to do everything I can to help my customers relax, unwind and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the New Forest National Park. I understand that the weather was lovely while I was away and the Cloud Hotel was fully booked but I'm in the lucky position of having excellent staff who I know continue to give the caring and excellent customer service that is expected of them. I think it's really important to have a break from your business and have the confidence to leave your staff to take responsibility sometimes. They will actually enjoy the fact that you trust them and will grow in confidence. It gives you the opportunity to reflect on your business and often return with new ideas. It's a win win situation.

Easter is here and the New Forest National park is coming to life with the fresh green shoots appearing on the trees and the yellow gorse bringing a mass of colour to the area. I spotted a baby donkey in the forest yesterday but I'm still waiting to see my first foal of the year.

The next Wessex Women's Network meeting is on Wednesday 27th April when Jake Simpkin will be giving us a talk on The Monarchy which ties in rather well with The Royal Wedding that takes place two days later.

While I am on holiday I always take the opportunity to read inspirational books to improve my business skills. While I was in Cyprus I read 'The Power of Focus' by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen and Les Hewitt. It was given to me by Karen Guttridge of Slimfocus. Karen is a member and regular attendee of Wessex Women's Network and knows all the best books to read. I can thoroughly recommend it, I couldn't put it down and have come back from my holiday inspired and motivated once again!

I hope you are able to enjoy this wonderful weather and I wish you all a happy, peaceful and relaxing Easter.

Finally. Consistency and persistence are the key to success. Never give up because success might just be around the corner. Winners never quit and quitters never win.

Avril

The Top 100 Most Influential Women in Hospitality, Travel, Leisure and Tourism

Avril Owton MBE voted one of the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Hospitality, Leisure, Travel and Tourism 2011

On Thursday March 31st I attended the Women 1st Top 100 Most Influential Women in Hospitality, Leisure, Travel and Tourism and Shine Awards at the fabulous newly refurbished Savoy Hotel in London. Women 1st was launched in 2009 by Cherie Blair and is an initiative from People 1st, the sector skills council for hospitality, leisure travel and tourism to address the lack of women being represented in senior positions. Since its launch it has provided opportunities for over 400 women to undertake tailored development training and to provide mentoring to support them in their career. The event was attended by 250 people and was all about celebrating the success and achievement of women in the industry and launching the inaugural Top 100 Most Influential Women in Hospitality, Leisure,Travel and Tourism and recognising the impact and influence women have throughout the industry. The champagne reception gave us all a chance to chat and catch up with friends and colleagues. The atmosphere was electric and everyone was buzzing with excitement not knowing who were going to be on the list or win the Shine awards. Dinner was served in the River Room and we all waited with baited breath to hear the results.One by one the names and photos of the Top 100 women appeared on the big screen and I can't tell you how excited and thrilled I was when I saw my name and realised I had been voted one of The Top 100 Most Influential Women in Hospitality along with Delia Smith, Nigella Lawson, Prue Leith and many others. It is such an honour to be recognised amongst so many high profile women. There was only one thing for it but to have more champagne! Following a delicious 3 course dinner the Shine Awards were presented. The event was compared by Gaby Roslin, one of the country's most popular television presenters who was most entertaining and very natural. You can see all the results including the winners of the Shine Awards celebrating outstanding achievements by women on www.people1st.co.uk/women1st
It was a great night full of inspirational women and I will continue to try and motivate young women to reach their full potential. Don't forget to follow everywoman's Modern Muse website.

The Cloud Hotel is now on Face Book and you can keep up to date with all the news, events and special offers. I'm desperately trying to get as good as my young grandchildren on the computer, I have a long way to go but with the help of Karl Jones of KN Media Limited I am improving my skills.

I always say that business is like dance and you can never stand still so I accepted an invitation from Emma James from Tasty Marketing and Stephen Burge of BH1 Promotions to attend a workshop about Lumpy Mail!  Lumpy Mail is an American idea and quite fascinating and if any of you are interested in finding out about it look at http://www.lumpymail.com/ and contact Emma or Stephen for more information I think you will find it very interesting.

I hope to see some of you at the next Wessex Women's Network meeting on April 27th when we are having a talk about the monarchy by Jake Simpkin two days before the Royal Wedding. Even if the monarchy doesn't interest you it gives you an opportunity to meet like minded women to share ideas and have fun over dinner. Spring is here and with the lighter evenings on the way I hope I will see some of you who do not like driving in the dark during the winter months.

One of my favourite proverbs is

Just as the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.

The snail only reached where he was going through sheer perseverance!

Never give up!

Avril.

Staying Positive A Secret Recipe

Staying positive was the theme for Kiki Maurey's talk to The Wessex Women on Tuesday March 22nd and it was a full house. Thirty four ladies gathered at The Cloud Hotel to hear Kiki's secret recipe of how to stay positive something we all need to do in these times of recession, wars and tsunamis. However I still believe we have plenty to be grateful for in this country and after listening to Kiki I think many of us felt inspired and motivated to move forward with our lives and love what we do. Maybe I'm one of the lucky ones but I do enjoy what I do and love the challenges that life throws at me every day. [Well most days!] Kiki lives in the New Forest National Park and we met at one of everywoman's conferences in London. We are also both members of Modern Muse. Kiki is a Professional Effectiveness Coach, Trainer and Speaker and her details can be found on http://www.kikimaurey.com/
The beautiful Spring weather should make us all feel happier and lift our spirits. I hope you have had the chance to get out into the fresh air and enjoy it. I love Spring in The New Forest and I feel very spoilt living in such a beautiful location where I can just step outside my hotel and Nordic Walk with Karen Guttridge in the open forest. The gardens are full of daffodils and almond blossom the green shoots are beginning to appear on the trees. The clocks go forward an hour on March 27th and we will be-able to enjoy lighter evenings, a sign that summer is not far away.

I thought it was time for me to get into the 21st Century and The Cloud Hotel is now on Facebook facebook.com/cloudhotel so look out for news of events and special offers that we will be posting on our page.

Mother's Day Sunday lunch on April 3rd at The Cloud Hotel is fully booked now but you can still bring your Mother out for a special Mothering Sunday Tea, however you do need to book.

I very seldom see television but I was determined to see the three programmes of The English National Ballet 'Agony or Ecstasy' on BBC4. I lived every moment of it as I was trained to be a ballet dancer and have experienced the agony and ecstasy that every dancer feels. Ballet is still one of my passions and although my dancing career took me into the Variety Theatre I am convinced that the training I received has given me the discipline, stamina and drive I have needed in my business life.

The next meeting of The Wessex Women's Network is on Wednesday April 27th when Jake Simpkin is giving a talk on the Monarchy. With the Royal Wedding only two days away it should be very topical as well as interesting.

Please look at my Cloud Hotel Blog to catch up with my other news.

Remember the snail only gets to where he wants to be by sheer perseverance!
Avril

Life in the Media

It was an absolute pleasure to welcome Ian Murray, Editor of the Southampton Evening Echo, to speak to the Wessex Women's Network on Tuesday February 22nd. His talk about his career and the insight into life in the media was not only very interesting but also very entertaining. He has a great sense of humour which is something you probably need when dealing with the media.Although the numbers for the meeting were down this month probably because we had overlooked that it was half term, we all had a very enjoyable evening with lots of laughter. Ian is very approachable and encouraged us to send in any Press Releases of events or stories that may be of interest to him. Surprisingly it is better to send it hard copy to the paper than by email as they receive so many emails, you have a better chance of having your Press Release noticed if it is in hard copy.

Many of us are either Mums or Grandmothers and are trying to entertain the children this week as it is half term. I am no exception as I have 5 Grandchildren and this week is primarily devoted to them. I hadn't been able to get my video player to work for some time but Ellie who is 6 soon got it working with no effort!

Talking of Mums we will be celebrating Mothering Sunday on April 3rd so if any of you are thinking of spoiling your Mother on Mothering Sunday, lunch at The Cloud Hotel is getting very busy so you do need to book early. Alternatively to show how much you appreciate your Mum and the care and love she gives you treat her to one of our special afternoon teas and to make it extra special add a glass of champagne. Booking is necessary as we expect to be very busy.

One of the charities I support is Naomi House children's hospice in Sutton Scotney near Winchester. It has been caring for terminally ill and life-limited children since 1997. It costs around £5 million a year to run both Naomi House and Jacksplace, the new hospice for teenagers and young people who have outgrown the facilities at Naomi House. With less than 10% coming from the government they rely heavily on the support of the community. Jennifer Nutburn is a member of The Wessex Women's Network and has raised thousands of pounds for Naomi House and brought to our attention the LK. Bennett Spring Fashion Show and Dinner to be held at the De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel in Southampton on Friday March 18th in aid of Naomi House. Tickets are £45-00 available from Claire Harrington at Naomi House 01962 843513.

The next Wessex Women's meeting is on March 22nd and the speaker is Kiki Maurey 'Staying Positive -a Secret Recipe'. Kiki has been described by Barclays as 'One of the best keynote speaker/facilitaters in the country' and I can vouch for that as I attended Kiki's workshop at the 'everywoman' conference last November. She was inspirational and I loved listening to her, she convinced us all we certainly need to have a positive attitude if we want to succeed.

Awards are not only a great marketing tool for businesses and individuals but also a way of recognising the hard work and effort that business people have put into making their business a success. Women in particular need this recognition and encouragement and I would like to inform you of the Dorset Business Women Awards 2011 to be held at The Langtry Manor Hotel in Bournemouth. The award was set up to celebrate the achievement of women in business in the Dorset area. I realise that this is short notice as all entries must be in by March 7th but if you have a business in Dorset and would like to enter this year's awards details of all the categories are on the website and it's still not too late.

Spring will soon be here, we can look forward to the lighter evenings and the opportunity to enjoy what life throws at us. Business is tough at the moment but if you want to succeed in business you have to go that extra mile.There is less competition there!

Life doesn't require that we be the best-only that we try our best. H. Jackson Brown Jr

Avril