Chairman’s Business Networking Blog, 5th November 2014
“Always remember the 5th November, gunpowder treason and plot”… you see, it’s the 5th November that most people remember either because they have an historical sense of the importance of why the Houses of Parliament should not have been destroyed, because you like fireworks or perhaps more importantly, love the taste of toffee apples. But who remembers the 4th November… apart from people who like burning other people’s bonfires down the night before!
Well…we do. In particular we all enjoyed our 4th November meeting when lots of strange things happened.
15 of us witnessed some strange and wondrous happenings;
It started with Adam Hotson receiving an apology for absence from Jim Henshaw at 4.30 in the morning.
It carried on…. a rather strange transfer of power. Out, hitherto esteemed Education and Development Officer Nige Kirby; in Higo Heij. Now Hugo can talk himself into and out of anything, as we have all come to appreciate. Today as no exception; he did not deliver an education slot, he introduced details of the 10 minute speakers at the outset and then sat down.
As my old granny would have said…”what will they think of next”…
Well, what they next thought about was the 60 second round. Richard Willis was awarding the Oscar and found a theme which frankly was all in his own imagination. In his own 60 seconds he advised against “crap” social media presence and tweet “shit”. It was all rather too technical for most of us. Hugo revealed the reason for his confused state of mind, they have just moved into new offices in Writtle. Chris Vernon enquired whether we have seen Watch Dog, when no one had he was stuck with explaining what had happened and that of course was going to take more than 60 seconds.
Dr Deb talked of making saving and spending and linked her Utility Warehouse business, that could produce savings for all of us with her vegan based luxury skin and hair products to help is spend. She delivered her 60 seconds in her usual exuberant enthusiastic way. She was altogether far too energetic for that time of the morning, particularly as she followed Christine who had walked around the room in her 60 seconds.
We were calmed down by Brian Painter who told of a man who could not wee after an experience behind a grave stone with the vicar’s wife. Twenty or so years this culminated in almost creating a flood in Stansted’s Departure Lounge. Maybe Richard Willis had a point about his perceived theme. For the Oscar however he opted for Chris Adams and the support he could give to all businesses with appropriate antivirus and backup support that would also help us spend money. Well done Chris.
More momentous and of importance to the group was the induction of our new member Laura Rudd who received her EBF equipment. At the same time as being inducted she also delivered her first 10 minute presentation. Despite protests of being nervous she gave a good 10 minute slot and prompted lots of questions. She has laid the foundations for her grand opening in November and we will all be there.
On a personal note, I was not in any way affronted by the disbelief expressed by almost everyone when I owned up to growing a moustache for Movember. I would almost go so far as to say that I noted a hint of disbelief. Oh ye of little faith! I am hoping by this time next week to have something that broadly resembles a slug under my nose. I expect at least a fiver from everyone at the end of the month for my chosen cancer charity.
I am now going to lock myself away and let me moustache grow. If Dr Deb has any suggestions for either the skin or the hair that will be underneath my nose next week please add them to the comments at the end of this Blog.
Sounds like an interesting meeting.
I’d like to make a request to any of the regular attendees – Can you please take a photo during the meeting and email this to me so that I can add it to the header of these blog posts. I’d ask my colleagues Aidan and Brian, but they are both somewhat “technically challenged”.
Aidan, like you I am attempting to grow a similar slug. Who else from Billericay is up for this challenge as I know that at least5 or 6 from Brentwood are supporting the initiative.
Other than having the disappointment of not seeing my name in the blog (I need to make Pensions sexier again)…I’d like to reiterate that it was a thoroughly entertaining morning! In addition I’d like to point out that in no way did I think that my next door neighbour for the morning Chris Adams either dyes his hair or has a syrup! Hopefully my 10 minute slot will provoke questions next week (when I work out what I’m going to say)….it will be old school again so you won’t be asked to wait while I try to work out the technology. And finally, Scott….I’d love to grow something for Movemeber…but as it would be either Grey or Ginger Im not sure my better half would approve!
Have a great week all
Ian you had a lovely mop of golden hair in a video of you which I saw last week. Curious dress sense, but lovely hair!
A video?….I’m intrigued??
Sounds like I missed a comical meeting. See you next week.
Ian, How about letting your eyebrows grow and brushing them back over your head? I’m sure your other half would be delighted whatever the colour! Good blog good meeting.
Good meeting, I think a bit of miscommunication between myself and Hugo but I’m sure he will get the hang of it
Aidan, I definitely have something pure we could rub on to promote growth and in the interim some Arbonne cosmetics will do to the job! For everyone else some natural energy fizz sticks to invigorate you at 6.30 in the morning to ensure we have another fun-filled session!