Get off the Express Train!

Do I dare mention that it's only six weeks to Christmas! I'm sure like me you are wondering what happened to this year? Maybe it's because we are all so busy that we don't have time to notice the months racing by. It's rather like being on an Express Train but we should stop and get off the train sometimes and enjoy the beautiful countryside that surrounds us. The Autumn colours in the New Forest were stunning this year and they are only just over their best. The Holly Trees are covered in red berries, does this mean we are in for a cold winter?

I had the pleasure of attending the Women of Our Time Lunch at the Chewton Glen Hotel on October29th. This lunch is held annually and the proceeds go to The Oakhaven Hospice in Lymington. The speaker this year was Clare Balding TV Presenter and Journalist. She is well known for her live racing coverage of the Grand National, Derby, Arc de Triomphe and Royal Ascot, a regular presenter on Radio 4 and has made guest appearances on many TV shows. She had us all entertained with her stories and experiences of life as a broadcaster. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to her and found her very friendly and easy to talk to.

I am a very lucky person as I do get invited to some fabulous events. On November 2nd I made my way to Unilever Head Office in Leatherhead to attend an evening with Chef Marco Pierre White of TV's Hells Kitchen. Once again it was a charity event this time to raise funds for Hospitality Action a charity that helps hospitality people who have fallen on hard times. After a champagne reception in the Foyer we all went into the smart theatre kitchen where the tables had been set for dinner. Before dinner was served two or three people from each table were invited to go up and watch Marco cook a variety of dishes from his new cookery book 'Marco Made Easy'. I found Marco absolutely charming and very appoachable, it makes you realise that what you see on Television is not always the real person. Dinner was delicious and I had a thoroughly enjoyable evening, met some very interesting people and left with a copy of his cookery book. The evening raised £17,000-00!

I am looking forward to the next Wessex Women's event on November 30th. Charisma of Fawley are hosting a Festive Fashion Extravaganza followed by a Christmas Dinner. As we are all so busy during December I thought we'd enjoy a Christmas dinner early! This is proving to be a very popular event and there are very few places left.

Don't forget the Everywoman conference on November 17th. This really is a conference worth attending if you want to grow your business. As well as meeting and listening to some inspirational and like minded women you will also have fun. All details can be found on http://www.everywoman.co.uk/

Finally 'If you think you have had a bad day try missing one'. Cavett Robert. To me every day is the start of a new opportunity.

Avril