Communication Talking

One of our recent speakers was the excellent Paul Eteson from Harford Manor School and these were his comments following his visit


I was invited along to a meeting by John Graham (a member of the group and a parent of a child at my school). John invited me to come and present to the group in June 2010.

On arrival the members welcomed me warmly and immediately involved me in their informal discussions over coffee. Following several personal introductions and a sharing of stories and experiences, the group met more formally and everyone around the table introduced themselves and gave a one minute “where I’m at now” update.

I later presented to the group on the background to Special Education and the role of Harford Manor School in Norfolk. I spoke to the group about my vision for our students to become citizens and the role of businesses and society in general, in helping to realize those aims. I introduced the group to a range of communication devices which the students at the school use to enable, extend and promote their communication (speech, signing and other). I concluded by speaking about our new initiative, which has seen the school rent a local shop premises. We intend to run the shop as a work experience opportunity for our oldest students and to further our presence within our local community.

The group listened attentively (and with some patience!) and asked some very appropriate questions. All in all, the experience was one of welcoming professionals who demonstrated a clear dedication to improving their own business through innovation and networking. All this in an enjoyable social arena!

Following the meeting, I spoke to several members who expressed an interest and willingness to offer services and assistance to the school. Just one week after the presentation I have received information from one member who has located various items of direct relevance to the school shop project, at favourable rates (most importantly) and with another offer of business for the school along another avenue. This is a fantastic and incredibly rapid response.

The members of the group have created an incredibly positive thinking and very interconnected body. It was a delight to have been involved. I wish the group the very best for the future and thank them for the opportunity to attend.

Paul Eteson
Headteacher
Harford Manor School

Wednesday 28 April saw a talk from Sophie Berry from Nelson's Journey giving us a talk on the charity. This is a Norfolk charity raising funds for children who have been bereaved. They could of lost a mother, father, brother or sister. Sophie's presentation was very moving, please visit their website and play the film to learn more about the charity.

You can see Sophie, Mark Overton our Chairman and Keith Simpson MP in the photograph promoting the sponsored 25 hour table tennis on the 9th June.

Between Wednesday 9th June 2010 and Friday 11th June 2010 25am will be hosting and participating in a marathon of events to raise money for some very worthwhile local charities. All events will be staged within the grounds of Norwich Cathedral.

These are

· 25 hour Table Tennis Marathon from 12noon Wednesday 9th through to 1pm Thursday 10th. There will be a number of special celebrity players who will be competing avidly within a 20 minute time slot

· Business Exhibition starting at 10am Thursday 10th June and finishing at approximately 6pm. This will be your opportunity to meet with the members of 25am and see for yourself why this group is so successful at business connections

· Summer Ball on Friday 11th June 2010. We will commence the evening with drinks and canapés in the Hostry, Norwich Cathedral. This will be followed by a Hot buffet served in the Marquee and we will then dance the night away to a finer local band Scratch the Cat. The evening will be complemented by a host of exciting auction lots which will be offered to the highest bidders on the night. Tickets priced at a very competitive £45.00


All the events are being staged in aid of the following 5 charities

Nelsons Journey
Norwich Cathedral
The Mancroft Advice Project (MAP)
The East Anglian Childrens Hospice (EACH)
NSPCC

If you would like to get involved with 20 minutes of table tennis for a good cause, donation of an auction lot, visiting the business exhibition or joining us for dinner on Friday evening please contact us.

Or if you would like to make a donation to these worthwhile charities then you can do so here

February 2010 saw the Theatre Royal put on the stunning performance of Les Miserables. We practically had 2 rows filled! 50 seats with members, wives and partners enjoyed a sumptuous meal with a few drinks and then we took our seats to see the show. An 'after show' drink sealed a lovely evening! Well done Chris Cooper for organising!

The group gathered for a festive celebration at Cinema City. We started with a glass or two of fizz and then found our places to enjoy some lovely food. It was a very good celebration and we all shared a laugh or two aswell.

Oh Yes! 20 members set up their stalls at Sprowston Manor. We waited to see how many guests would attend. Over 100 during the day, people personally invited by various members for networking with other members. What a success...."I think we'll do it again was heard"...."Brilliant - when's the next one?" and "I have made some excellent contacts today" were some of the comments made.

I think we'll be happy to do it again!

It's that time again, 25:am are looking out for a venue for their annual 'Christmas Jolly' some tasty food and a few glasses will be the order of the day AND, if you know the group....Joe might even perform Rindercella again!

25:am enjoyed the inspirational talk from Jon. Many questions were answered and Zita, our Health and Safety expert announced to the group news of the black belt she has held for a number of years! Some people can surprise you!

Well, with all the guests invited this look to be well worth a visit. Just 2 days to go. Pop along and network, see what members can offer you. Hopefully there will be a camera handy and we can get some shots of the event.

Well, it was Cricket. Members gathered to play in a charity match at Ketteringham Hall, this was the headquarters of Colin Chapman's Lotus Cars. Members pulled muscles, tweaked old injuries and gained a few grass stains in the pursuit of match winning form. It wasn't to be found. Nevertheless we all had a laugh or three and a good social opportunity was enjoyed by one and all.

After 18 months and the group at full capacity Barney Phillips has stepped down as Chairman. Mark Overton - co-founder of Group Logical, has filled the position perfectly. With one or two tweeks the first meeting went very well...welcome Mark from all the members!

Jon Graham, our finance specialist has spoken to Jon Thaxton about doing a 10 minute presentation for us. John said "I don't know if you've heard him speak before but I find him very inspirational. His story is one that would be better suited to a Rocky film. Part of what he does outside of boxing is motivational speaking so I thought why not".

He starts training on 21st April for a shot at the British Title on June 13th. If he wins, which he should, he will own the Lonsdale Belt outright, which he has said he will bring with him.

We are all looking forward to this talk!