So we are finally back at Calcott Hall Farm after too long an absence. There were 19 of us present; some of us for the first time. Once we were all gathered it was as if we had never been away and it was nice to see the familiar faces of our hosts.
The Performance League
Matt Barry was presented with his certificates commemorating his win last month and Stuart Smallcombe’s protests about having not received a certificate for the previous month was embraced by our calligrapher in chief, Brian Painter. I suspect a certificate for his wall will be available next week. As far as this month is concerned, Terry Maylin is out front followed by the Mayor of Gants Hill and Paul Dulieu our resident poet.
Education Presentation
Paul Booth, who is standing in for Ben Golding in the coming weeks introduced Sarah Steel whose theme was “… don’t judge a book by its cover”. At networking events, rather than hobnobbing with the great and good she met up with someone who was new to the circuit and she did not abandon her throughout the meeting. Some months later this person became a person of interest within her sphere and landed her with one of her biggest contracts. Networking can sometimes be about long-term relationships rather than the quick kill.
The 60 Second Round
With Matt Barry listening out for this week’s Oscar winner he told us that he had taken on an apprentice designer. For someone whose performance is often magical his new charge be will hopefully be more adept than the sorcerer’s apprentice.
Richard Reed’s theme was his willingness to give assurance to those whose travel arrangements he has made, even when they haven’t filled in a form incorrectly. Always be conscious of the need for capital letters on some forms.
Sarah Steel drew our attention to the importance of encouraging the judicious use of credit cards to ensure good credit ratings when you finally need a mortgage.
With Simon Essex’s message was to place orders for Christmas early to ensure you are not punished by any breakdown in the delivery system.
Mike Skinner set us up with video cover for the whole meeting. His 60 seconds related to videoing matters equestrian. No comparison intended I am sure.
Colin O’Connor was talking risk assessments of the Good, the Bad and the Ugly. He doesn’t want the Good. The Bad and the Ugly he can turn into Good. Somewhat akin, I believe, to Moses and the tablets of stone.
Jane Malyon confessed to being both an English and an Essex girl. A short rendition of land of hope and glory and the display of Union Jack tea towels completed the picture.
Stuart Smallcombe explained that you can have your connections managed or unmanaged. Managed means quick fixes and he recommends it.
Vincent Goode produces orders of service, even tributes with speed but with feeling. Fast is one thing; Flying is another. Brian Painter is curing a lady with a phobia for flying. It all stemmed from having a father who was puzzled as to why aeroplanes stayed up in the sky. Now she is free to stamp her carbon footprint also all over the world. Brian, beware of the Green Party
Alan Moller produced a prop, namely a modern consumer box; you know the type of thing, lots of switches all over it that you have to understand when your lights go out which I suppose was slightly harking back to Vince Goode’s promotion.
The highlights however of this round came from Paul Dulieu who not satisfied with just being a poet, burst into song. The fact that he sang it into Matt Barry’s ears might have been enough for lesser men not to award the Oscar to him but so compelling was the performance that Matt felt he had no choice and Paul accordingly won the Oscar as well as a round of applause.
Meeting Secretaries Report
Scott Griffiths gave us some pointers regarding the upcoming visitors day meeting which appears eagerly anticipated. Several guests appear to be secured already but let’s make sure we have as big an attendance as possible.
Synergy Team Report
Paul Booth’s finance group met on Tuesday with six in attendance and it produced some interesting conversation that added to our knowledge of some of the members, which of course is what it’s all about.
10-minute presentation by Paul Booth
Paul Booth listed in his bio sheet the Naughty Corner as being the best invention or discovery. He then proceeded to give us some tips as to how to best manage our affairs to keep our tax bill down. Electric cars featured in what was any informative presentation.
Referrals and Testimonials Round
Once again, the importance of this round was emphasised by our being live and 17 referrals were passed which hopefully will keep the monies earned on a par with last month.
Great meeting and so great to be back at the Mecca of EBF
Good to see the spiritual home of EBF at last even if I’ve got to wait to try the full English.
Great to be back at the farm. The bacon sarnie was full of flavour and the tea tasted great in my Speedprint mug. Well done to Paul Hurricane Booth on his 10 mins and hope he won the snooker tournament. And Sarah gave a very well presented Ed Slot
Good to be home eh? Great meeting, can we write a byelaw against singing?
Excellent blog and another excellent meeting. Well done m’dears – and Happy Birthday to our Tina!
PS. Thanks for my pen Vincent! 😀 x x
It was just like coming home and although I missed Neil’s gourmet spread, the sausage sarnie was good. Stout performances by Sarah and Paul (the interesting accountant)
What was that box that Alan talked about? I was con fused. Who does Paul the younger think he is? Ben Ben? Happy Birthday, Tina, have a good night out and lie-in tomorrow
Great to be back at Calcott . Excellent Ed slot from Sarah and 10mts from Paul and congrats to Matt yet again for winning the league for October. Here’s looking forward to our visitors day next week.
Oh dear, oh dear! I’ve just watch the video of our meeting and my unequal battle with a sausage sarnie which the sarnie clearly won! As the meeting progressed I wondered if he was ever going to give up and call it a day but on and on he went and eventually calling for reinforcements from a knife and fork. It is clear that he now eats even slower than he walks. I told you last year that I need Vincent to chew my food for me!
I would be honoured to chew your food Brian 🥪
Great meeting this week well done on your ed slot Sarah S and great 10 minutes Paul B. Paul D you should sign up for the X-Factor or Britains got Talent. Thank you all for my birthday wishes. See you Thursday
Sounds like a good meeting and that everyone was glad to be back at Calcott Hall-looking forward to next weeks visitors day!
Fantastic to be back at Calcott Hall! Great meeting with a very valuable Ed Slot from Sarah and a great informative 10 minutes from Paul B!
See y’all in 4 weeks (if we manage to get on the plane!)