Chairman’s blog Thursday 20th August 2026

Catherine Foley educated us on the topic of managing failure, and Paul Dulieu presented about his business Essex Celebrancy.
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Since last Thursday there has been a small amount of rain and a slight reduction in temperature but nonetheless only three of us were in shorts (blokes that is) and with the fans no longer necessary, there was a feeling that winter is approaching….. Despite the predictions of another heat wave expected soon!

Performance League

Paul Corrigan remains out front on 265 points. John Hammond his second with 127 followed by Jane Malyon 114.

Education Slot

It was entirely appropriate that on the GCSE results day, Catherine Foley was delivering. With her work arising from failures at GCSE, she had failure in mind within a business context. Mistakes must be seen as part of the growth process rather than something to be feared and shied away from. She had five tips, the sum of which amounted to properly assessing the problem, putting it right and making it part of your success.

Membership Matters

Terry Malin reported that the membership committee have both received and approved Sean Crawford as a new member and his induction will no doubt follow. Terry also reported that there was another application in the pipeline upon which he will report later.

60-Second Presentation Round

It was a day for stand-ins. Toby Acton took over Ben Golding’s timing function and Paul Dulieu took on the Oscar adjudication in the absence of last week’s winner David Rose.

Paul Dulieu explained the importance of flexibility in acting as a celebrant. His job was not to impose rigid rules but to give people what they are looking for.

Clara Downton finds that in these relatively quiet times what people are looking for are equity release packages. She listed the various motivations. Holidays, general living standards, and care needs.

A metaphor less Toby Acton emphasised the importance of work/life balance in business. Keep in mind the importance of clarity, direction, and focus

Steve Chilton, gave a message that size does matter but that size is ‘smaller’ in order to get the sort of attention and consideration that is important for the advice that he gives his clients. That advice is not always straightforward as Stuart Smallcombe emphasised that in relation to Microsoft licencing nothing is simple the alternatives are mind blowing and his guidance would be helpful

Scott Griffiths was sporting a brand-new ‘phone which is small enough to fit into a pocket. The way the hardware of IT technology is changing is relevant to him in advising on your design of website.

Jane Malyon has a regular client in the Deaf and Blind Society in Scotland they apparently love her cream teas but more significantly, the importance she places upon accurate delivery is why inhabitants of Scotland are interested in the ‘English’ cream tea. We didn’t dare ask whether it was cream first or not!

Matt Barry had the excitement of attending the London Stock Exchange for the re-flotation of a client company. He had the satisfaction of seeing his brand design flashed up on the screens.

It was Terry Maylin who won the Oscar for an explanation as to why a badly drafted document can work in your favour and why it can be advantageous to sign irrespective of errors. The errors in this case were to residential tenancy agreements and the serious consequences that can flow from getting it wrong. A Landlord should be afraid of this, in particular because of the financial penalties there can be for getting it wrong. Fear is often a thing that drives people to solicitors.

10-Minute Presentation by Paul Dulieu

It was our celebrant Paul Dulieu addressing us this week. He used the TV and a clicker to good effect as he revealed the world of celebratory weddings, the balance between official requirements and the need to tell the love story. The reason Paul is a great celebrant is that he manages to show his sympathetic and sensitive side when dealing with important times in people’s lives.

Referrals and Testimonials

Plenty of referrals and thanks for money is received. A fitting end to a very enjoyable meeting.

Comments and Feedback

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Paul Dulieu
Paul Dulieu
1 hour ago

Thank you all for being such a lovely audience for my 10 minutes. It was a great meeting and Catherine’s Ed slot was absolutely perfect – she should’ve been a teacher!

Jane Malyon
Jane Malyon
Reply to  Paul Dulieu
59 minutes ago

Re Catherine….Haha 🙂 !

Paul Corrigan
Paul Corrigan
1 hour ago

Superb 10 minutes from Paul D, wish you could do it every week Paul!
Thank you to Catherine for her ed slot and to you all for a great meeting

Terry
Terry
1 hour ago

An excellent presentation from the groups celebrant
Also a worthwhile reminder from Catherine reminding us the in order to succeed you must learn failure first!

Jane Malyon
Jane Malyon
58 minutes ago

Lively and thought provoking meeting…very enjoyable and a great presentation from Paul D. So goooood!

Leann Reason
Leann Reason
39 minutes ago

A great meeting. Lovely to hear of some new members. A great Ed slot from Catherine, really thought provoking and motivational and a great 10 minutes from Paul. Your celebrant services will make any celebration a truly amazing event.

Stuart Smallcombe
Stuart Smallcombe
9 minutes ago

Great Ed slot from Catherine this week, and a informative presentation from Paul, focusing on weddings, rather than funerals. Great meeting, see you next week.

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