This week we all had to scrape the ice off our windscreens both before we headed off to the meeting but also, to some degree, when we left the meeting. With everything below zero, the wearing of a festive pully gave the members the necessary protection from the cold as well as looking festive. With 17 members there it was a slightly more intimate affair with a sort of end of term feeling. Next week will be full on festive.
The Performance League
Following the first meeting of the month, scores were low but Matt Barry was out front followed by Nick Cooke and Paul Booth.
Education Presentation
Maintaining that end of term feeling Paul Booth suggested how we should wile away the dark restless days before meetings resume in January. Catch up with 1-2-1s, do those Google testimonials that you’ve forgotten to do and review your record over the year. Is there money that you have received from a member that has not been recorded; is your profile all it should be on the website. Don’t let it get in the way of Christmas festivities but try and think EBF for some of the time.
New Member Induction & Existing Member Renewal
Melissa Jackson, Mike Hickson and Toby Acton have all successfully applied for renewal of their membership. Toby Acton’s condition that he should be allowed to be the chairman of the membership committee was treated in the same spirit that it was given……NO!
The 60 Second Round
Nick Cooke is the current Oscar holder and he went first. At this time of year he has to examine a lot of cracks for subsidence. At this time of year John Freeman is looking to be away in Tenerife for the whole of January going into February and I receive instructions relating to redundancy Settlement Agreements which happens to coincide with the bonus season. At this time of year Leann Reason felt it necessary to refer us to her expertise in helping you getting the guest room ready for festive stayovers. How much effort you would want to put into this probably depends upon which particular member of your family will be visiting. Finally Tina was able to remind us that at this time of year, when you are looking forward to winding down for Christmas you might be overcome with paperwork. She is there to help.
Another theme running through this week’s presentations is the phenomenon known as the Ho Ho Ho. Terry Maylin has found stamps with it on which would be a nice touch for any letters going out to debtors warning them of the dire consequences of not coughing up. Scott Griffiths was selling his Ho Ho hosting in relation to your websites. I was with him right up to the end until he mentioned cloning.
Mike Hickson had forgotten his glasses but as he managed to read from the screen of his mobile phone I can’t help but think this is optician is having him over.
The most festive member was Jane Malyon who had a big Santa sack and a jumper that lit up in her guise as Mrs Claus. the most successful member was Brian Painter who, with subtle references to yuletide matters, told of three new clients; one who suffered from road rage, one who had a phobia about Christmas and the third who was suffering a phobic reaction to a divorce. Nick Cooke felt that he had fulfilled the criterion of subtlety and reference to Christmas sufficiently to award him the Oscar.
This weeks statistics and points of note
Scott Griffiths produced the following statistics:
- 15 referrals passed
- £17,000 worth of business recorded
10-minute presentation by Paul Dulieu
Our wordsmith treated us to a run through of his working life with an economy of words that was a credit to his profession. Before the expected pitch on his business he treated us to a poem that was a repeat of an earlier 60 second presentation glorifying Scott Griffiths’ powers of persuasion and wisdom in getting him to join EBF. The sting was however in the tail…he announced his upcoming departure from EBF in verse that was as accomplished as it was shocking. His pastures new are the City. We are losing not only a valuable member but also an all-round great bloke. Don’t forget to keep in touch through synergy team meetings Paul, you will always be welcome.
Synergy Team Meeting
I wish all synergy team meetings could be arranged around a sit down meal. 10 members attended the Finance group’s Christmas dinner. A really excellent meal in good company.
Referrals & Testimonials
Following the high number of referrals in previous weeks the value of business recorded was understandable and gratifying.
Don’t forget Secret Santa next week and a ‘proper’ Christmas meeting that includes the return of the Brian Painter quiz experience. Hope to see you all there!!!!
Sorry to miss your final 10 minutes Paul! It’s been an absolute pleasure working with you on various bits, and having you there to listen to my gripes on a Thursday morning.
Genuinely gutted, see you next week though!
Likewise Mike. I’m sure our paths will cross again and I will always be looking for referrals for you and hall the rest of the gang.
Excellent meeting. Well done Paul B on the Ed Slot, but the poem by Paul D stole the show. Very sorry to se you go Paul, but i’ll see you in the city for a beer soon i’m sure. Best of luck fella.
A really great meeting. Felt honoured to be featured in your poem Paul. You’ll be missed as a member. Best of luck in your next chapter…
A great meeting once again, with a great Ed slot from PB and an even better 10 minutes presentation, albeit tinged with sadness due to Paul’s departure. Good luck Paul, hope to see you again sometime in the future.
Good meeting, great jumpers. I though it was a public vote on the decision around Membership Committee Chairman next week??
Not sure I’m at all happy with that suggestion
A happy festive meeting with a good timely reminder from from Paul and interesting presentation from t’other Paul. Sorry to see t’other Paul leaving, can’t keep a good man down, keep walking tall. I’ll see some of you on Tuesday evening 6.30 for 7.00 pm.
Thank you ALL for being such a wonderful bunch and your kind comments and words today. EBF is a sensational group and I’ll miss it, and you all, tremendously.
Congratulations to Tony on now Chairing the membership committee. 🤣
A very touching 10 minutes Paul D especially your poem. I wish you all the very best in your new adventure, you will be missed and a big thank you for helping me with my Bio for the awards and also great ed slot Paul B. See you all on Tuesday or Thursday have a fab weekend.
Great meeting and considering the numbers really bubbly meeting and I echo the other members’ comments about Paul Dulieu he will be sorely missed but I hope that he stays in touch.
Aww Paul!! Bless your heart. Missing you already darling.
Well done everyone and also to Paul B for the intro. Hilarious jumpers everyone!
😀 xx
Sorry to miss your 10 mins Paul, the poem was very moving. You’ll definitely be missed!
Wishing you all the best for your new venture.