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