Friday, 3 August 2012

HELEN O'GRADY OLYMPICS!

After the Seminar last month, Franchisees and their partners retired to the Avon Gorge Hotel in Clifton, Bristol, to relax after a very busy term. The theme of the evening was the Olympics (of course!) and Principals never miss a chance to dress up.

Several games had been arranged and everyone joined in very enthusiastically. It was a beautiful evening; the hotel overlooks the famous Suspension Bridge and they provided an excellent barbecue and lots of space outside for the Helen O'Grady Olympics!

Prizes were awarded for the best costumes and, although none were presented, several gold medals were well deserved.
Mel Moore (SWLondon) and partner, Sam
L to R:Beth Daniel (NLeics), Lucy O'Gorman (husband Neil is Principal, S London) and Helen Walls (Bromley)
Franchisee Of The Year, Susana Ayala (Bournemouth) and Susannah Gill (Training Supervisor)
Nigel's PA, Katey De Menezez (R) supervises the games

Lucinda & Jessica Symonds (Cambs-Herts) with Mel Moore

Angela Gallagher (NW Ireland) with Barbara Brett (Tayforth) and husband, Tim

Usain Bolt popped in (or is it Neil O'Gorman, S London?)
Stuart Goakes (with Lindsay, York Principal) - believed to be the oldest Olympian attending!

Susana Ayala with Rosie Reynolds (Glos)    

Best male costume went to Brian Ormrod (Cheshire) for the Hammer thrower - gone slightly wrong!
Best female costume was that of "Horsewoman", Jane Evans (W.Midlands)
It was a wonderful way to end a busy term. We, at Head Office, wish everyone in the network a sunny and restful summer ...... and ...... come on Team GB!!!

Thursday, 2 August 2012

FRANCHISEE TRAINING 2012

Last month, induction training for new Franchisees took place at the Mercure Hotel in Bristol. National Director, Nigel Le Page, and Trainers, Margaret Darley and Alison Mazanec, welcomed new Principals from around the world!
New Franchisees from L to R: Chris and Kathryn Gregory (Bath), Andrea Williams (St Helens), Katy Markey (West Sussex) and Tenie Sangma (Tokyo).  



 As well as workshopping a great deal of curriculum and visiting both regular classes and end of year shows, the team covered all necessary administration, marketing and business topic.s
Alison (far L) explains the enrolment procedure

Andrea plays the part of a concerned mother, while Chris and Kathryn deal with the enrolment.


Although the week is packed with learning, it is also a lot of fun. The trainees were fortunate to be in Bristol during the annual Harbour Festival which, this year, enjoyed record crowds, mostly due to the beautiful sunshine. To conclude the proceedings the Class of 2012 enjoyed a meal together at a popular Bristol restaurant.
Tenie (L) and Katy

Christopher, Kathryn and Andrea
Training manager, Margaret Darley (L) and Executive Principal, Alison Mazanec
National Director, Nigel Le Page, with his special award at the end of the training week!
The group, after an excellent evening at Byzantium, Bristol
All new Principals are currently organising themselves for a big launch in September. We wish them all the best of luck!