Monday, 8 August 2011
Wednesday, 3 August 2011
An Undercover Agent?
The subject of the talk for the Wessex Women's Network meeting on Tuesday evening was ' An Undercover Agent' and the ladies arrived thinking they were going to hear stories from a spy! How surprised they were when the speaker Hazel Wilson announced she was a corsetiere and was going to talk to us about corsets and bras! However Hazel's talk was very interesting as well as entertaining and what a fun night it turned out to be with so much laughter. [Hazel has a fantastic figure!] But there is always a serious side to our meetings when members are given the opportunity to give a short presentation about their business or any events, including charity events, they may be organising. Jan and I have witnessed members grow not only their business but also their confidence and it has given me personally great pleasure to be part of it. Sharing experiences with like minded women helps encourage women to reach their full potential in their business life and their personal life.
Many of the members of the Wessex Women's Network are Mothers and the meetings give us the opportunity to share our family problems with each other and to realise we are not alone! Being a Mum is often more stressful than running a large business and it is important for us Mums to be-able to have some fun and let our hair down too, whatever our age!
It's the school holidays at the moment and that is always a stressful time for Mums trying to keep the children occupied and I smiled to myself today when I asked my eldest daughter how are things she replied "we're trying to work our way through the school holidays" Probably the sentiment of a lot of Mums.
On July 17th a Charity Cream Tea was held at the Cloud Hotel as part of the Hampshire Food Festival and a grand total of £811-00 was raised that was shared between Naomi House Hospice and Beaulieu Countryside Education Trust. Our next charity event will be the 'World's Biggest Coffee Morning' to be held at the Cloud Hotel on Friday September 30th in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Please put it in your diary because everyone is welcome, we hope to raise a lot of money.
The following day I had the pleasure of being interviewed on Radio Solent by Katie Martin about running a bed and breakfast. However as in most of my interviews Katie was more interested in my career as a Tiller Girl but as they say all publicity is good and I have learnt never to say no to any opportunities that are offered to me that will promote my business. A lesson to be learnt by all businesswomen.
The next Wessex Women's meeting is on Wednesday September 14th when author Lord Ian Strathcarron talks about the The Moral Regeneration of The Human Race. The mind boggles?
I hope you are all enjoying the summer months and having some time to unwind, relax and maybe read. Have any of you read Jonathan Livingstone Seagull by Richard Bach? If you haven't may I suggest you do because it is a brilliant book and can be read in a day. I just love it and it helped to change my life in times of despair. It taught me life is for living.
"Everyday brings a chance for you to draw in a breath, kick off your shoes and dance" Oprah Winfrey.
And how I love to dance!
Avril
Many of the members of the Wessex Women's Network are Mothers and the meetings give us the opportunity to share our family problems with each other and to realise we are not alone! Being a Mum is often more stressful than running a large business and it is important for us Mums to be-able to have some fun and let our hair down too, whatever our age!
It's the school holidays at the moment and that is always a stressful time for Mums trying to keep the children occupied and I smiled to myself today when I asked my eldest daughter how are things she replied "we're trying to work our way through the school holidays" Probably the sentiment of a lot of Mums.
On July 17th a Charity Cream Tea was held at the Cloud Hotel as part of the Hampshire Food Festival and a grand total of £811-00 was raised that was shared between Naomi House Hospice and Beaulieu Countryside Education Trust. Our next charity event will be the 'World's Biggest Coffee Morning' to be held at the Cloud Hotel on Friday September 30th in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Please put it in your diary because everyone is welcome, we hope to raise a lot of money.
The following day I had the pleasure of being interviewed on Radio Solent by Katie Martin about running a bed and breakfast. However as in most of my interviews Katie was more interested in my career as a Tiller Girl but as they say all publicity is good and I have learnt never to say no to any opportunities that are offered to me that will promote my business. A lesson to be learnt by all businesswomen.
The next Wessex Women's meeting is on Wednesday September 14th when author Lord Ian Strathcarron talks about the The Moral Regeneration of The Human Race. The mind boggles?
I hope you are all enjoying the summer months and having some time to unwind, relax and maybe read. Have any of you read Jonathan Livingstone Seagull by Richard Bach? If you haven't may I suggest you do because it is a brilliant book and can be read in a day. I just love it and it helped to change my life in times of despair. It taught me life is for living.
"Everyday brings a chance for you to draw in a breath, kick off your shoes and dance" Oprah Winfrey.
And how I love to dance!
Avril
Tuesday, 21 June 2011
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
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
Thursday, 2 June 2011
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
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
Sunday, 1 May 2011
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
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
Thursday, 21 April 2011
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
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
Saturday, 2 April 2011
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.
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