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
Saturday, 25 January 2014
Saturday, 21 December 2013
Happy Christmas
This has been a busy year for the Wessex Women's Network and thanks to Jan Hoy we have listened to a variety of very interesting speakers.
We raised £1160-00 at the Christmas dinner in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and appreciated the generous raffle prizes donated by our suppliers that helped to boost the funds.
On December 4th I attended the NatWest everywoman awards and as always it was an emotional and inspirational event. This was my 6th year as one of the judges for this event and every year the entries inspire and motivate me. There are some amazing women out there who have overcome adversity to develop some very successful businesses.
Our next meeting is on January 22nd at 6-30 --7pm. I have decided as from January we will enjoy a 2 course dinner at £20-00 to include a glass of wine, a speaker and coffee. To try to please everyone we will have a main course and dessert one month and a starter and main course another month so we will alternate it.
I wish you all a very happy Christmas and a New Year filled with good health, happiness and success in whatever you do.
In the New Year 'Do something every day that will bring you to a better and brighter tomorrow'.
Jennifer Gayle
Hope to see you next year
Avril
We raised £1160-00 at the Christmas dinner in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and appreciated the generous raffle prizes donated by our suppliers that helped to boost the funds.
On December 4th I attended the NatWest everywoman awards and as always it was an emotional and inspirational event. This was my 6th year as one of the judges for this event and every year the entries inspire and motivate me. There are some amazing women out there who have overcome adversity to develop some very successful businesses.
Our next meeting is on January 22nd at 6-30 --7pm. I have decided as from January we will enjoy a 2 course dinner at £20-00 to include a glass of wine, a speaker and coffee. To try to please everyone we will have a main course and dessert one month and a starter and main course another month so we will alternate it.
I wish you all a very happy Christmas and a New Year filled with good health, happiness and success in whatever you do.
In the New Year 'Do something every day that will bring you to a better and brighter tomorrow'.
Jennifer Gayle
Hope to see you next year
Avril
Saturday, 23 November 2013
Ten Year Celebration
I founded the Wessex Women's Network ten years ago! Those ten years have just flown by and to celebrate I held a dinner on November 19th at the Cloud Hotel. We were entertained by Liam White who sang a selection of Michael Buble, Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra songs. This young man has an enormous talent and I look forward to seeing his career develop, I think we will hear alot more of him in the future.
On Wednesday 27th November I will be taking some of my staff to the Felbridge Spa Hotel to attend the Business South Excellence Awards as the Cloud Hotel is a finalist in the small hotel of the year category. We are up against some stiff competition but just getting to the final is an achievement for my loyal and hardworking staff. Fingers crossed.
Christmas is just around the corner and the Christmas decorations go up at the Cloud Hotel on December 1st. Mike Dacombe of Inspiration in New Milton is responsible for the Christmas decorations and every year they are stunning. There are still a few places left in our Encore Restaurant on certain days for our pre-Christmas lunches so if you haven't booked it's still not too late.
I attended the Light up a Life service at Winchester Cathedral yesterday for Naomi House and Jack's Place Children's Hospice. It was a very humbling experience and the courage shown by the parents of these children and the care given to them by the staff of Naomi House makes you realise just how lucky you are and teaches you to stop complaining about such trivial things that happen in one's life.
On Friday December 13th we are holding a Christmas Dinner and all proceeds are donated to Macmillan Cancer Support. This is the one event of the year that you can bring your husband, partner or friend to the Wessex Women's event. The Highcliffe Junior Choir will once again start the evening with Christmas carols followed by a three course traditional Christmas dinner and wine. I look forward to welcoming you to this event and hope to raise as much money as possible for this worth while charity.
Christmas is a very hectic time especially for working women but take care and enjoy it.
BURN BRIGHTLY BUT DON'T BURN OUT!
Avril
On Wednesday 27th November I will be taking some of my staff to the Felbridge Spa Hotel to attend the Business South Excellence Awards as the Cloud Hotel is a finalist in the small hotel of the year category. We are up against some stiff competition but just getting to the final is an achievement for my loyal and hardworking staff. Fingers crossed.
Christmas is just around the corner and the Christmas decorations go up at the Cloud Hotel on December 1st. Mike Dacombe of Inspiration in New Milton is responsible for the Christmas decorations and every year they are stunning. There are still a few places left in our Encore Restaurant on certain days for our pre-Christmas lunches so if you haven't booked it's still not too late.
I attended the Light up a Life service at Winchester Cathedral yesterday for Naomi House and Jack's Place Children's Hospice. It was a very humbling experience and the courage shown by the parents of these children and the care given to them by the staff of Naomi House makes you realise just how lucky you are and teaches you to stop complaining about such trivial things that happen in one's life.
On Friday December 13th we are holding a Christmas Dinner and all proceeds are donated to Macmillan Cancer Support. This is the one event of the year that you can bring your husband, partner or friend to the Wessex Women's event. The Highcliffe Junior Choir will once again start the evening with Christmas carols followed by a three course traditional Christmas dinner and wine. I look forward to welcoming you to this event and hope to raise as much money as possible for this worth while charity.
Christmas is a very hectic time especially for working women but take care and enjoy it.
BURN BRIGHTLY BUT DON'T BURN OUT!
Avril
Friday, 11 October 2013
Catch Up
It's time to catch up with you all as I haven't written a blog since July! Time just seems to fly by these days and before we know it Christmas will be here and another year gone! We have had some entertaining and interesting speakers at the meetings this year thanks to Jan Hoy who seems to find a variety of speakers all with a different story to tell.
The Worlds Biggest Coffee Morning held at the Cloud Hotel raised £500-00 for Macmillan Cancer Support and we will be holding our annual Christmas Dinner on December 13th at the Cloud Hotel for all members and their husbands, partners or friends. All proceeds are donated to Macmillan Cancer Support so book early to avoid disappointment as places are limited. Highcliffe Junior Choir will start the evening with Christmas carols and a three course Christmas Dinner will follow. The cost is £30-00 to include a glass of wine and coffee and mince pies.
It was 10 years ago I founded Wessex Women's Network and during that time I have met some lovely women, watched some members grow their businesses and develop their confidence. To celebrate our 10th anniversary there will be a dinner on November 19th with entertainment. I look forward to seeing you there.
I was in London yesterday judging the NatWest everywoman annual awards for successful businesswomen. This is my 6th year judging these awards and I am always amazed and inspired by what some of these women have achieved even as young as 25. The award ceremony will take place at the Dorchester Hotel in London on December 4th and tickets for this prestigious event are available at www.everywoman.com If you would like to meet some really inspirational women this is the event to attend.
The Cloud Hotel is the perfect place to meet up with friends or business colleagues and relax in one of our cosy lounges or the conservatory and enjoy morning coffee [latte, cappuccino, espresso or filter coffee] or afternoon tea. Our clotted cream teas are delicious and we now serve homemade strawberry jam with our homemade scones and clotted cream.
We always have alot of fun at the Wessex Women's meetings and it is important to surround yourselves with people who make you laugh as life is too short to be anything but happy.
Avril
The Worlds Biggest Coffee Morning held at the Cloud Hotel raised £500-00 for Macmillan Cancer Support and we will be holding our annual Christmas Dinner on December 13th at the Cloud Hotel for all members and their husbands, partners or friends. All proceeds are donated to Macmillan Cancer Support so book early to avoid disappointment as places are limited. Highcliffe Junior Choir will start the evening with Christmas carols and a three course Christmas Dinner will follow. The cost is £30-00 to include a glass of wine and coffee and mince pies.
It was 10 years ago I founded Wessex Women's Network and during that time I have met some lovely women, watched some members grow their businesses and develop their confidence. To celebrate our 10th anniversary there will be a dinner on November 19th with entertainment. I look forward to seeing you there.
I was in London yesterday judging the NatWest everywoman annual awards for successful businesswomen. This is my 6th year judging these awards and I am always amazed and inspired by what some of these women have achieved even as young as 25. The award ceremony will take place at the Dorchester Hotel in London on December 4th and tickets for this prestigious event are available at www.everywoman.com If you would like to meet some really inspirational women this is the event to attend.
The Cloud Hotel is the perfect place to meet up with friends or business colleagues and relax in one of our cosy lounges or the conservatory and enjoy morning coffee [latte, cappuccino, espresso or filter coffee] or afternoon tea. Our clotted cream teas are delicious and we now serve homemade strawberry jam with our homemade scones and clotted cream.
We always have alot of fun at the Wessex Women's meetings and it is important to surround yourselves with people who make you laugh as life is too short to be anything but happy.
Avril
Tuesday, 23 July 2013
Women 1st!
It will soon be August and it's been a while since I wrote a Blog for Wessex Women's Network. I'm delighted to report that the Cloud Hotel has been very busy which means I have been very busy too! I hope you have all been able to enjoy this beautiful weather and long may it continue before winter sets in again!
I'm sure we all send our congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of their son. As many of us are Mothers and Grandmothers we all know how it feels to give birth to our first child and that wonderful feeling when the baby is first put in your arms and you realise you are a Mother!
In June I attended the Women 1st Conference at the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square. Women 1st was launched in 2009 to develop women into leadership roles in hospitality, passenger transport, travel and tourism. As always at these conferences there were some inspirational women speakers telling their stories of how they have succeeded in their careers. I particularly enjoyed listening to Liz Bingham , Managing Partner, People UK and Ireland, Ernst and Young. Liz is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusiveness and has been determined to create an environment where people from all backgrounds can succeed and flourish. I also enjoyed listening to Susan Gambardella, Vice President,Global Account Team, Coca-Cola Refreshments who had flown in from the USA for the conference. Both of these women were an inspiration and their stories encouraged everyone to realise how great their potential is if they take opportunities and have the right attitude in life. The evening concluded with the Shine Awards that were presented by Matt Dawson of Question of Sport fame and he brought the same humour to the evening as he does on television.
The charity cream tea held at the Cloud Hotel as part of the Hampshire Fare Food Festival on Sunday 14th July was a great success and we raised £958-00 that was shared equally between Jack's Place at Naomi House and the Variety Club Children'sCharity. It was such a beautiful day that many people enjoyed their tea outside in our secluded garden that is a mass of colour at the moment. Linzi Luker donated the scones, Wrights Dairies donated the clotted cream and 3663 donated the strawberry jam. We had several raffle prizes donated by local businesses and Judy Goodlet of Radio Solent fame donated one of her 60 beautiful cushions that she is making for charity to celebrate her 60th birthday.
The next charity event to be held at the Cloud Hotel is the World's Biggest Coffee Morning on Friday September 27th in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Please come along to enjoy the company of your friends and to help raise alot of money for a very worthwhile cause.
August 7th is the next date for your diary all details are on the website. I founded the Wessex Women's Network 10 years ago and we will be having a special dinner to celebrate it's 10th birthday on Tuesday November 19th. I hope you will be-able to join me in the celebrations and hopefully you will put that date in your diary too.
Finally 'When the going gets tough the tough ask for help' Michael Heppell
That is what women's networking clubs are for, helping and supporting each other in good and bad times and I hope some of you feel you have been helped by members of the Wessex Women's Network during the past 10 years and have had fun as well.
Avril
I'm sure we all send our congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of their son. As many of us are Mothers and Grandmothers we all know how it feels to give birth to our first child and that wonderful feeling when the baby is first put in your arms and you realise you are a Mother!
In June I attended the Women 1st Conference at the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square. Women 1st was launched in 2009 to develop women into leadership roles in hospitality, passenger transport, travel and tourism. As always at these conferences there were some inspirational women speakers telling their stories of how they have succeeded in their careers. I particularly enjoyed listening to Liz Bingham , Managing Partner, People UK and Ireland, Ernst and Young. Liz is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusiveness and has been determined to create an environment where people from all backgrounds can succeed and flourish. I also enjoyed listening to Susan Gambardella, Vice President,Global Account Team, Coca-Cola Refreshments who had flown in from the USA for the conference. Both of these women were an inspiration and their stories encouraged everyone to realise how great their potential is if they take opportunities and have the right attitude in life. The evening concluded with the Shine Awards that were presented by Matt Dawson of Question of Sport fame and he brought the same humour to the evening as he does on television.
The charity cream tea held at the Cloud Hotel as part of the Hampshire Fare Food Festival on Sunday 14th July was a great success and we raised £958-00 that was shared equally between Jack's Place at Naomi House and the Variety Club Children'sCharity. It was such a beautiful day that many people enjoyed their tea outside in our secluded garden that is a mass of colour at the moment. Linzi Luker donated the scones, Wrights Dairies donated the clotted cream and 3663 donated the strawberry jam. We had several raffle prizes donated by local businesses and Judy Goodlet of Radio Solent fame donated one of her 60 beautiful cushions that she is making for charity to celebrate her 60th birthday.
The next charity event to be held at the Cloud Hotel is the World's Biggest Coffee Morning on Friday September 27th in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Please come along to enjoy the company of your friends and to help raise alot of money for a very worthwhile cause.
August 7th is the next date for your diary all details are on the website. I founded the Wessex Women's Network 10 years ago and we will be having a special dinner to celebrate it's 10th birthday on Tuesday November 19th. I hope you will be-able to join me in the celebrations and hopefully you will put that date in your diary too.
Finally 'When the going gets tough the tough ask for help' Michael Heppell
That is what women's networking clubs are for, helping and supporting each other in good and bad times and I hope some of you feel you have been helped by members of the Wessex Women's Network during the past 10 years and have had fun as well.
Avril
Sunday, 9 June 2013
Keep Smiling
The Wessex Women's Network met last week and although there weren't so many members there this time [probably due to half term] we had alot of fun and enjoyed each others company as usual. There is always a lively atmosphere at our meetings and alot of laughter.
As you know I am passionate about encouraging women to reach their full potential and I have watched one of my members Jane Pitt Pitts develop her confidence and business over the years. Jane offers an extensive range of handmade glass dishes, jewellery and sailing trophies. Jane attends the meetings on a regular basis and always brings samples of her work to display for other members to view or even buy www.confusionglass.co.uk
I continue to do my public speaking and last week spoke to the lively and very friendly Hebrew Ladies Luncheon Club in Bournemouth. I enjoy telling my story in the hope that it will encourage other women to fulfil their dreams and goals and to reach their full potential.
The next Wessex Women's Network meeting is on Tuesday June 25th when Colin van Geffen will give a talk on 'The Red Arrows' I understand from Jan that this is a very interesting talk so I'm looking forward to welcoming you to the event.
We have had some lovely weather this week so hopefully summer is here to stay! The sun always lifts everyone's spirits and people smile more!
My final thought for today. Ladies the most important thing that you wear is your expression! You are never fully dressed until you smile and a smile not only makes you feel better but everyone around you. It's cheaper than a facelift and means the same in any language so keep smiling even if the sun isn't shining, YOU can still shine and sparkle.
Avril
I continue to do my public speaking and last week spoke to the lively and very friendly Hebrew Ladies Luncheon Club in Bournemouth. I enjoy telling my story in the hope that it will encourage other women to fulfil their dreams and goals and to reach their full potential.
The next Wessex Women's Network meeting is on Tuesday June 25th when Colin van Geffen will give a talk on 'The Red Arrows' I understand from Jan that this is a very interesting talk so I'm looking forward to welcoming you to the event.
We have had some lovely weather this week so hopefully summer is here to stay! The sun always lifts everyone's spirits and people smile more!
My final thought for today. Ladies the most important thing that you wear is your expression! You are never fully dressed until you smile and a smile not only makes you feel better but everyone around you. It's cheaper than a facelift and means the same in any language so keep smiling even if the sun isn't shining, YOU can still shine and sparkle.
Avril
Wednesday, 1 May 2013
The Little Book of Adversity
Once again Jan Hoy booked us an entertaining and interesting speaker when the members of the Wessex Women's Network heard David Sullivan talk on 'Life as a Shepherd' on Wednesday April 24th. These meetings are always well attended and it is so nice to see so many regular members attend each month. I think as well as listening to some very interesting speakers we have a lot of fun at the meetings and have developed many friendships over the years. I founded the Wessex Women's Network in 2003 and we will be celebrating our 10th Anniversary later in the year. Details to follow once I have a date.
Talking of dates we are holding our annual charity cream tea at the Cloud Hotel on Sunday 14th July at 4pm and the all proceeds will be shared between the Variety Club Children's Charity and Jack's Place at Naomi House Children's Hospice. Please put it in your diary, booking is essential and we hope to attract alot of people and raise much needed funds for both the charities.. Linzi Luker who is one of our members will donate the scones as she does every year.
I had the pleasure of attending the launch of Women 1st's book 'The Little Book of Adversity' at the Cafe Royal in London on Monday 29th April. It has taken Sam Mercer, Sharon Glancy [the founder of Women1st] and Karen Roberts 2 years to write and is a practical guide to supporting women in the workplace. There are lots of tips and advice for women and I have the honour of being one of the case studies in the book along with some very influential women. Jo Fairly the co-founder of Green and Black's chocolate told her story on how she and her husband had founded the company. The evening was very well attended, alot of networking took place and the champagne flowed. A thoroughly enjoyable evening was had by everyone and I left the event feeling inspired and motivated once again! The book is not on general release just yet but I will let you know when you can buy it if anyone is interested.
As I write this the sun is shining and I've noticed how everyone's spirits have been lifted. I really do think the better weather is here at last. Our secluded garden is a very peaceful place to enjoy morning coffee or afternoon tea with family and friends. We are now serving Taylors of Harrogate coffee, the same as they serve at Betty's Tearooms in Harrogate.
The next Wessex Women's Network meeting is on Wednesday May 29th. The speaker is Richard Burton who is a salesman and the title of his talk is Perfect Perfect!! Something us women are all trying to be!
I came across the following quote from Winston Churchill which I thought was very appropriate in these difficult economic times.
'Success is not final, failure is not final, it is the courage to continue that counts'
Enjoy the sunshine
Avril
Talking of dates we are holding our annual charity cream tea at the Cloud Hotel on Sunday 14th July at 4pm and the all proceeds will be shared between the Variety Club Children's Charity and Jack's Place at Naomi House Children's Hospice. Please put it in your diary, booking is essential and we hope to attract alot of people and raise much needed funds for both the charities.. Linzi Luker who is one of our members will donate the scones as she does every year.
I had the pleasure of attending the launch of Women 1st's book 'The Little Book of Adversity' at the Cafe Royal in London on Monday 29th April. It has taken Sam Mercer, Sharon Glancy [the founder of Women1st] and Karen Roberts 2 years to write and is a practical guide to supporting women in the workplace. There are lots of tips and advice for women and I have the honour of being one of the case studies in the book along with some very influential women. Jo Fairly the co-founder of Green and Black's chocolate told her story on how she and her husband had founded the company. The evening was very well attended, alot of networking took place and the champagne flowed. A thoroughly enjoyable evening was had by everyone and I left the event feeling inspired and motivated once again! The book is not on general release just yet but I will let you know when you can buy it if anyone is interested.
As I write this the sun is shining and I've noticed how everyone's spirits have been lifted. I really do think the better weather is here at last. Our secluded garden is a very peaceful place to enjoy morning coffee or afternoon tea with family and friends. We are now serving Taylors of Harrogate coffee, the same as they serve at Betty's Tearooms in Harrogate.
The next Wessex Women's Network meeting is on Wednesday May 29th. The speaker is Richard Burton who is a salesman and the title of his talk is Perfect Perfect!! Something us women are all trying to be!
I came across the following quote from Winston Churchill which I thought was very appropriate in these difficult economic times.
'Success is not final, failure is not final, it is the courage to continue that counts'
Enjoy the sunshine
Avril
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