All eyes where on the naughty corner for this last meeting of 2019 on this cold December morning, as expected we were not let down. Cholocolates, paper hats and party poppers contributed to a lively and enjoyable meeting.
Our treasured chairman Aiden was unfortunately ill and so Howard confidently led the room with wit and bribery.
New Member Induction & Existing Member Renewal
We’re delighted to announce that Simon Essex was up for his first membership renewal, and has elected to renew for a further 12 months. He was duly “rubber-stamped” and approved, and is now eligable to go on and apply for his “Mark Of Excellence” award.
Education Presentation
Vincent delivered a very interactive education slot by asking members to proofread an email, highlighting any grammatical and spelling errors. This eye opening exercise made me delighted to be chosen to write this weeks blog. I apologize for any errors and aim you in Vincent’s direction for corrections.
The 60 Second Round
It was obvious from the start, the atmosphere and buzz round the room proved everyone was looking forward to Christmas and lay in for the next three Thursday’s.
With a common theme from everyone thanking members for business referred in 2019 and the common friendships people have formed, we still did get a flavour of what members have been up to this week.
Marcel Saad, Ben and Vincent entertained us with festive poems that really highlighted what they offer their customers and why people should use them.
Mike Rogers wins the award for the shortest 60 seconds. He seemed keen to get on with the secret santa giving. His Christmas jumper though spoke volumes.
Terry Maylin thanked everyone for their support and referrals over 2019 and looks forward to the same in 2020.
Well done to Ellen Beckenham for a most successful year. In her words fantastic. Let’s hope things continue and next year will be stupendous.
Brian Painter shared a story of successfully helping someone stop an addiction they wanted to accomplish before the new year.
Paul Booth required both assistants and props for his moment. Vincent Goode and Dean Caldon where happy to assist and Dean ended up looking like a half finished mummy. The toilet tissue wrapped around his face kept him quiet and proved a point Paul had to make.?
Jill Willis announced after three years she will be leaving EBF. A huge loss that was shared by all. Lovely to hear the reason is a positive influence the group has had for her business and she looks forward to working with our members next year.
Tina Walker reminded members how busy Christmas can be and she is available for all support to both members of the group and clients referred to her.
Simon Essex proved his creative skills by unveiling a handmade Christmas jumper that is made of Lego. With Tina’s help turning the lights off he illuminated the room. Maybe slightly too bright but at least he is prepared for a power cut.
John was hoping to finish tomorrow for the festive season, however he is working Monday and fully intends to be slightly inebriated by Tuesday. Best wishes to him and Brian Painter is available if needed.
10-minute presentation by Jill Willis
As announced in the 60 second round this was Jill’s last 10 minute presentation. It was therefore a great opportunity for Jill to open the floor to questions and give the members a chance to share any Marketing or PR pain points they may have. Lots of really good questions got answered and it gave us all a chance to really understand the benefit of such expert advice.
Jill will be sorely missed and difficult shoes to fill. I am sure everyone will join me in wishing her the best of luck and a successful 2020.
Sorry I missed your Final performance Jill. I would like to thank you for the contribution you have made to the group over the years. Your everlasting cheerfulness will be sorely missed. Happy Christmas to all my EBF buddies. I will see you all in the New Year and l would also like to thank you for your support and business passed.
A very joyful last meeting of the year which shall be remembered for the fantastic lego Christmas jumper and also Jills last meeting.
Thank you for my secret Santa present too.
Have a very merry Christmas and a phenomenal New Year.
See everyone next year x
Well done all on a great final meeting of the year
Sorry to See Jill go but it’s for the right reasons
Thanks for my nipple tassels whoever bought them-very thoughtful
Have a great Christmas and New Year one and all
A most enjoyable festive meeting. I managed a complete full house on the bingo card, albeit after I had changed a few of the words. I will personally miss Jilly’s presence at the meetings. She has passed much business my way and it has been a complete pleasure getting to know her, and I now consider her a friend. Thank you to whoever gave me “How To Win Friends And Influence People”, that’ll be a fun read over Christmas. Well done Simon for a fine blog and to big H for standing in as chair. Happy holidays to all!
So this is Christmas … and what have you done… Well for 2019 it seems that for most of us it has proved our best year yet!! Proving, as we all know, that networking really works.
Unfortunately it works so well for some that they have to leave because their business has grown so much. So we have had to say goodbye to Jill who has been an excellent member for the last 3 years helping many of us along the way, fortunately she will continue to do so – we all wish her well.
Another fun meeting and I loved the jumper Simon and the “great reveal”.
A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of you, see you again in 2020.
Well its looks like I mist a goddun. Especially Vinces ed slot. And Jills 10 minutes to. Sorry to here your leaving Jill. I’m sure I will need your wordsmithery skills for my website in the new year.
Happy and joyful meeting – Merry Christmas everyone
Great and very fun meeting for the last on 2019 . Merry Christmas Every one
So sad to see Jill go, but what a great meeting. Merry Christmas and see you back on 9th.
Brilliant end of year meeting! Such a fun, positive atmosphere and kind words from you all. I might be out of sight, but I won’t be out of mind 😉 Stay in touch everyone, and see you all soon!!
A good, fun meeting, well done, everyone. A merry Christmas to all. See you next year.
Last meeting of the year, Merry Christmas everyone and sorry to see you go Jill and good luck. xx