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SOUTHERN NETWORK WATCH THE QUEEN MARY SAIL
The Southern Members’ Network participates in a joint Professional Bodies group within their catchment area. This group, in association with Robert Half, organised a visit to Associated British Ports, Southampton. On Tuesday 26 June 2007, 117 guests watched the Queen Mary 2 set sail from Southampton Water. From a wonderful vantage point on the viewing deck above the departure lounge it was a privilege to be allowed so close to one of the most magnificent ocean liners ever built. Also the views from this side of Southampton Water are exceptional and everyone was able to get spectacular shots with their cameras.
Once QM2 had sailed Doug Morrison, Director of ABP Ports Southampton gave an entertaining, behind the scenes, insight into his role and the operations of the port. As one of the country’s busiest and most successful deep-water ports, Southampton is a natural choice for a wide range of customers and trades, with facilities to handle virtually any type of cargo. Its natural deep-water harbour and unique double tide allow unrestricted access for the world’s largest vessels. Doug talked about the importance of the port to the economy of the surrounding area and how their plans for the future needed to maintain and increase prosperity.
After the presentation a canapés and drinks reception allowed the delegates, from at least 10 professional bodies, to socialise and network.
SOUTHERN NETWORK CAREERS DROP-IN
In March the Southern network joined forces with Hudson Cooper to host a careers drop-in evening for new ACCA members and affiliates and part 3 students.
This was a fantastic opportunity for members and students to develop their career potential, and training, by talking to representatives from ACCA, the Southern members’ network panel and consultants from Hudson Cooper Financial People. Seven individually manned desks covered the following topics.
• Student Training Records (STRs); what counts as supervised and relevant practical experience (ACCA staff)
• How to gain ACCA membership (Southern panel)
• CPD; how much is required and what is relevant (Southern panel)
• ACCA Realise; ACCA’s leading CPD scheme for accountants and financial professionals (Southern panel)
• Career Progression (Hudson Cooper)
• CV Presentation (Hudson Cooper)
• Interview Technique for Candidates and Interviewers! (Hudson Cooper)
In addition to one to one consultations the evening enabled networking with other members and affiliates who had recently taken their exams. Wine and a finger buffet was available throughout. The event was entirely sponsored by Hudson Cooper.
SOUTHERN TAKE A TOUR AROUND SETLEY RIDGE VINEYARD
Have you ever wanted to make your home your work. Paul Girling did just this in 1999 when he bought Setley Ridge Vineyard in Brockenhurst, Hampshire and then re-opened it in 2001.
Paul took a group of the Southern members’ network and their guests on a tour of his buildings and vines describing how he has invested in improving the facilities, equipment and techniques employed in both the vineyard and winery. The result is that Setley Ridge, along with other English vineyards, are rapidly raising the profile of English Wine. At Setley Ridge they grow the grapes, make the wine and bottle on site, in their own winery. The tour was greatly enhanced by a multitude of amusing anecdotes about living ‘on the job’.
After the tour Paul conducted a wine tasting of his current red and white wines, in the atmospheric vineyard shop. The evening concluded with a sumptuous buffet in one of the greenhouses. The buffet was generously sponsored by Hudson Cooper.
SOUTHERN VISIT SPINNAKER TOWER
The Southern Members’ Network participates in the Southern Joint Professional Bodies group. On the 19 April 2006 126 members from 6 professional bodies, and their guests, soared 110metres above the ground when they visited Portsmouth’s new landmark, Spinnaker Tower. Described as elegant, sculptural and awe-inspiring it is visible from miles around and is the UK’s tallest publicly accessible building outside London.
The evening started, at ground level, with a reception and presentation from Barbara Thompson, Portsmouth City Council’s strategic director for Economy, Culture and Community Safety. Graphically illustrated Barbara gave a real insight into the regeneration of Portsmouth; the achievements so far and the future plans.
After the presentation, canapés and drinks were served on Deck 2, (105m). Delegates then walked around all three viewing decks at their leisure. The brave walked across the glass floor on Deck 2; on Deck 3, the Crow’s Nest, they felt the wind in their hair and everywhere Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight and the adjacent Gunwharf Quays, with its bars and restaurants, spread out beneath them. A member of the Institute of Navigation had even organised a mooring in the harbour so he could arrive by boat.
VISIT TO RINGWOOD BREWERY
The Southern Members’ Network organised a visit and tour of Ringwood Brewery. Purely a social event it took place late February 2006.
A relatively small brewery, Ringwood has built an enviable reputation for quality of beer and service and is now the leading Free Trade ale brewer in the Solent area. The visit included a tour of the Brewhouse followed by a sampling of ales in the Pin room. Delegates then enjoyed a Ploughman’s supper at the local Ringwood Brewery pub. They picked the day well as the pub had live music to set the seal on an excellent evening!