My return after two weeks absence enabled me to dispel rumours that I had succumbed to the deadly COVID. I’m pleased to be able to confirm that such rumours were greatly exaggerated and in the preamble to the meeting I was able to swap stories with fellow COVID sufferers. Despite being hugely engrossed in this COVID symptom exploration I was conscious that other members weren’t quite as acutely interested in my symptoms or lack of them. I suspect I am being slightly nerdish if I suggest a synergy team called the COVID clan. By the end of the meeting reality had taken over and I now formally withdraw any suggestion of such a clan.
Now that we have properly emerged from lockdown we must look forward, and where better to do so from than Calcott Hall Farm. Our return after almost three months stimulated an attendance of 20 and a lively meeting under a bright sky that had emerged to welcome us well before we started at 7:10 AM.
As a background to the meeting, we were all concerned about the state of Ben Golding’s health and we wish him well with his condition that fortunately did not amount to a heart attack as suspected. This Blog passes on everyone’s good wishes to Ben in the hope that he will be back with us sooner rather than later (what about next week!) I stood in for Ben.
The Performance League
Scott Griffiths was well out front as the winner of last month’s contest. All figures now reset and the league starts again.
Education Presentation
Vincent, Mayor of Gants Hill presented various suggestions of how we should make our 60 Second pitch. These varied from the use of case studies, jobs we are working on, finishing up with singing a song or writing a poem. As one of the more successful 60 Second presenters Vincent’s thoughts were worthy of consideration by us all.
New Member Induction & Existing Member Renewal
Today our visitor was Emma Taylor who has made an application to join, and we hope to have progressed this by the next meeting.
The 60 Second Round
We are back into eponymous territory, and everyone (almost) was very disciplined. In Ben’s absence, as last week’s Oscar winner, Richard Reed stood in as adjudicator.
Mike Skinner announced that he had been to Bournemouth this week, Jane Malyon has just returned from South Africa and Brian Painter, arm in sling, has gone to catch some rays in the Canaries.
Alison Bean reflected our anxieties by reporting her current involvement with clients who have mental health issues arising from the situation in Ukraine. Her advice appealed to a lot of us, namely, do not turn the news on as soon as you wake up or leave it on until you’re about to go to sleep. Seek distraction through music and any other matters of interest. Give yourself a break from the unfolding tragedy that is Ukraine.
Toby Acton polished his new qualification by coming over all Mr Motivator on us. Fortunately, we were spared the leotard, but we understand the need to be motivated in our business affairs.
For Sarah Steele our other current bugbear, rising energy prices, have created a demand for budgeting as a subject matter for her webinars.
Colin O’Connor is constantly struggling against Magical Thinking (“It’ll never happen to me”) when in fact without proper Health and Safety training it probably will!
There was also a touch of the whimsical; Jane Malyon had a necklace made from Soda Cans from an Afrikaans, Nick Cooke spoke of a caravan on stilts converted into a house, Paul Dulieu felt it was important to know what you do not know and Vincent Goode, who comes from a long line of musicians managed to convince Jane to blow into a tube and help him make music. We still hadn’t finished with the whimsical. Scott Griffiths had an urge to indulge us and himself in a visual metaphor by hiding under the desk where he could not be seen but could be heard. Something to do with search results… anyway he won the Oscar which was deserved if only because of the extreme physical discomfort he must have suffered in following his inspiration.
Meeting Secretaries Report
Scott was back on his feet again emphasising the importance of not only delivering the pieces of paper when we deal with our referrals and acknowledgements at the meeting but that the real scoring comes from you all entering theses electronically before (or after) the meeting. These records are an important tool in promoting and managing our group.
Synergy Team Meeting
Now that we have broken out, don’t forget the synergy team meetings. Paul Booth’s finance group meets on the second Tuesday of the month at the George and Dragon, Mountnessing. Richard Reed’s Business and Consumer Group the following Monday.
10-minute presentation by Mike Hickson
Mike Hickson braved the projector, which act in itself was worthy of praise. His subject matter was IT Security…always capable of loosening the bowels of any attentive audience. The things you can buy on the Dark Web! Makes Harrods look like a corner shop. Now I feel that after I have just managed to remember my passwords, I have got to start all over again,. A 1-2-1 with Mike would pay dividends.
Referrals and Testimonials
A good solid round that bodes well for us all keeping each other busy this week.
So sorry to miss the meeting though I was very taken back by all the emails, texts and wishes!! EBF is more like family!! ❤️❤️ So thank you all very much!! It really made me feel better!!
Hoping to be back next week and will be back on top form very soon!!
Plus can’t wait for a proper sausage sandwich 🥪😁😁
Bless – we can’t wait to see you with a proper sausage sandwich at our meeting soon x x
The bacon sandwich hit the spot, although Jane felt compelled to bring her own butter. Apart from getting screamed at by Mike Rogers for giving him his 10 second bell, I enjoyed the meeting. Just doin’ ma job… Also noticed the naughty corner was looking rather depleted this week. Not so naughty really are they?
We will be back!!!
Oh heck, I’m turning into Princess Jane. Can I help it if I prefer butter? (Don’t answer that) x
Great blog Aidan – well done you and everyone 😀
Great Meeting . Great 60 seconds Scott . Best wishes Ben hope to see you back soon
Good to be back to what all the long term members think of as home!
Best wishes to Ben, looking forward to seeing you back soon
Great meeting as usual. Well done Mike H on your 10 minutes very scary and every help to know. Well done Scott on winning the Oscar. See you all next week.
Great meeting everyone, sorry I won’t be there next week however look forward to reading all about it and watching Mike’s next video .
Sounds like I missed a good’un- good to be back at Calcott and looking forward to seeing everyone this week!