'Make it Happen' is the theme of International Women's Day which is on Sunday 8th March. All around the world International Women's Day represents an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women while calling for greater equality. I believe we still have a long way to go before we achieve equality but we must never give up and must keep fighting otherwise we will never make it happen for ourselves, our daughters, granddaughters and future generations.
At our last meeting on Thursday 26th February Sara Scott spoke to us about the history of the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton. It was not only a very entertaining talk but also very interesting and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it.
The Wessex Women's Network meets every month and I have watched many of the members grow in confidence and succeed during the past ten years since I founded it. We were able to congratulate two of our members at this meeting for their recent achievements. Jane Pitt Pitts was one of the original members of the Wessex Women's Network and I have watched her develop her business Confusion Glass and grow in confidence during this time. She has just been voted a trustee of the Royal Lymington Yacht Club, quite an achievement as she's the first woman to hold this position. Congratulations Jane, we are all very proud of you. Natasha Jones has just been voted Tesco Community Mum of the year 2015 for her baby Resuscitation Training that she founded after nearly losing her baby. Another great achievement and something to be so proud of.
We welcome women of all ages and all walks of life to our meetings, it is not necessary to have a business because we are a support group for all women so as well as networking we have fun.
The next meeting is on Tuesday March 24th when our speaker is Miriam King She will be telling us how to make the most of our skin as we mature! Very important because to feel confident you need to feel good about yourself.
Don't forget to celebrate International Women's Day on Sunday March 8th and to wear purple. Purple symbolises justice and dignity- two values strongly associated with women's equality.
'Self confidence is the most important thing, and this comes from identifying your goals, knowing your limits and roping in all the help you can get' Shirley Conran author of Superwoman
Be confident!
Avril
Friday, 27 February 2015
Sunday, 10 August 2014
Inspirational Women
I feel very guilty that I have not written a blog for the Wessex Women for so long! We have had some very busy events with some entertaining and inspirational speakers thanks to Jan Hoy and we have welcomed many new members. On August 5th we decided to have a meeting dedicated to the members who were given the opportunity to promote their business and it is interesting to hear the variety of businesses that our members run. Some of our members are retired but they are able to pass on their experiences as well as be interested in the ladies stories. We always have alot of fun and as you can imagine it's not always business that is discussed! After the presentations we enjoyed a two course dinner with wine and lots of chat.
As probably most of you who know me, know how passionate I am about encouraging women to fulfil their dreams and reach their full potential. I still attend conferences and seminars to hear inspirational women speakers and continue to develop my own skills as I feel I still have alot to learn. I attended the Women 1st conference in June and was blown away by some of the speakers who had achieved so much often with quite a struggle. An example of how a women can achieve against all the odds is Jacqueline Gold of Ann Summers. I had the privilege of speaking to her and not only is she an inspirational woman but also a lovely lady. If you haven't read her autobiography
'A Woman's Courage' can I suggest that you do. Courage is something we all need if we want to succeed.
Women 1st supports women in hospitality, travel, leisure and tourism and I am delighted that I have been shortlisted for the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Women 1st Shine Awards 2014 especially as I didn't even know I had been nominated! The prestigious award ceremony and dinner will be held on September 16th at the London Marriott Hotel and I am really looking forward to an enjoyable evening.
I am also a great supporter of Everywoman Ltd and am looking forward to judging the NatWest everywoman awards in October these awards recognise women from all walks of life and all of ages who have succeeded in business and have often overcome amazing adversity.
The next Wessex Women's Network meeting is on Wednesday September 10th 6-30 for 7pm. Speaker is Marion Emery who is a professional speaker I look forward to seeing you.
Finally don't forget to put Friday 26th September in your diary and come and support the World's Biggest Coffee Morning to be held at the Cloud Hotel from 10-30 til 11-45pm all proceed go to Macmillan Cancer Support.
Take care and burn brightly but don't burn out!
Avril
As probably most of you who know me, know how passionate I am about encouraging women to fulfil their dreams and reach their full potential. I still attend conferences and seminars to hear inspirational women speakers and continue to develop my own skills as I feel I still have alot to learn. I attended the Women 1st conference in June and was blown away by some of the speakers who had achieved so much often with quite a struggle. An example of how a women can achieve against all the odds is Jacqueline Gold of Ann Summers. I had the privilege of speaking to her and not only is she an inspirational woman but also a lovely lady. If you haven't read her autobiography
'A Woman's Courage' can I suggest that you do. Courage is something we all need if we want to succeed.
Women 1st supports women in hospitality, travel, leisure and tourism and I am delighted that I have been shortlisted for the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Women 1st Shine Awards 2014 especially as I didn't even know I had been nominated! The prestigious award ceremony and dinner will be held on September 16th at the London Marriott Hotel and I am really looking forward to an enjoyable evening.
I am also a great supporter of Everywoman Ltd and am looking forward to judging the NatWest everywoman awards in October these awards recognise women from all walks of life and all of ages who have succeeded in business and have often overcome amazing adversity.
The next Wessex Women's Network meeting is on Wednesday September 10th 6-30 for 7pm. Speaker is Marion Emery who is a professional speaker I look forward to seeing you.
Finally don't forget to put Friday 26th September in your diary and come and support the World's Biggest Coffee Morning to be held at the Cloud Hotel from 10-30 til 11-45pm all proceed go to Macmillan Cancer Support.
Take care and burn brightly but don't burn out!
Avril
Monday, 17 February 2014
Rain, rain go away and don't come back for many a day. I'm sure you are all fed up with the weather and I am really fed up with the reporting of the media who dramatise everything and affect businesses. My sympathy goes out to all those people whose homes and businesses have been flooded [my home was flooded 12 years ago so I know what it's like] but the whole of the South of England is not suffering from the floods so I wish they would be more specific. The New Forest is a large area and Brockenhurst is not flooded and the roads surrounding Brockenhurst are clear for people to visit. Not only is this negative reporting affecting businesses but it is also affecting people's jobs.
On a positive note the Wessex Women's Network met on February 13th to listen to Trevor Sapey give us an interesting and amusing talk on the Mary Rose. It was a very enjoyable evening and he certainly encouraged me to visit the Mary Rose Museum.
On Tuesday 11th February I went to the Mayfair Hotel in London to attend the Women 1st Top 100 Club reception and heard Carolyn McCall OBE Chief Executive of easy jet give an inspirational and thought provoking talk on her career and life as a working Mother of three. She took over easy-jet in 2010 and has transformed it into a successful airline. I always meet inspirational women at these events who motivate me and often give me new ideas for my business.
The next Wessex Women's Network event is on March 20th when author Shelby Locke will be giving a talk entitled 'What If' I look forward to welcoming you to the meeting and hopefully we will be experiencing some better weather by then.
Finally
"Giving people a little more than they expect is a good way to get back a lot more than you'd expect"
Robert Half
Til next time
Avril
On a positive note the Wessex Women's Network met on February 13th to listen to Trevor Sapey give us an interesting and amusing talk on the Mary Rose. It was a very enjoyable evening and he certainly encouraged me to visit the Mary Rose Museum.
On Tuesday 11th February I went to the Mayfair Hotel in London to attend the Women 1st Top 100 Club reception and heard Carolyn McCall OBE Chief Executive of easy jet give an inspirational and thought provoking talk on her career and life as a working Mother of three. She took over easy-jet in 2010 and has transformed it into a successful airline. I always meet inspirational women at these events who motivate me and often give me new ideas for my business.
The next Wessex Women's Network event is on March 20th when author Shelby Locke will be giving a talk entitled 'What If' I look forward to welcoming you to the meeting and hopefully we will be experiencing some better weather by then.
Finally
"Giving people a little more than they expect is a good way to get back a lot more than you'd expect"
Robert Half
Til next time
Avril
Saturday, 25 January 2014
A New Year
The first meeting of the year was held on Wednesday 22nd January when we heard Jane Walker MBE tell us her story as to how she founded the The Philippine Community Fund. What an amazing woman she is, we were all in awe of her and felt very humble. Her incredible life story of her many challenges in helping the people of the Philippines to have a better life is to be published in Spring 2014, look out for 'The Angel of the Dump.' For more details of her work and her charity go to www.p-c-f.org
Our next meeting will be on Thursday 13th February. Trevor Sapey will be giving a very interesting talk on the Mary Rose. Trevor is the visitors service manager of the Mary Rose Museum and I understand from people who have heard his talk it is worth coming to hear.
The following day is Valentine's day and for those romantics amongst you why not spoil your loved one to a candlelit dinner in the Encore Restaurant. Our 4 course dinner is served between 7pm and 9pm £39-50 to include a glass of bubbly and a table present. To book call 01590 622165
I'm sure like me you wish this rain would stop, I'm waiting for the animals to go by two by two! Spring is on the way and we must stay positive!
Surround yourself with people that make you laugh, life is too short to be anything but happy. Laughter is the the fastest way to the heart.
Hope to see you soon
Avril
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, 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
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