THREE local networking organisations united to host a collaborative International Women’s Day event earlier this month.
Between them, Tricia Peters Networking, Kirsty James (Colony Networking) and Sue France Creative Connecting in Cheshire have over 30 years experience of holding business networking events. When they collaborate, the results are formidable!
This year’s live speakers included Jackie Weaver, Maggie Oliver MBE, Susie Mathis, Sharon Amesu and Emma Preston. Gillian Keegan MP also joined by a live link from Parliament. Surprise entertainment was provided by Mindy Cowap whose group The M Project Movement provided a Flash Mob dance involving six members of the networking groups present. The event was also filmed by the University of Central Lancashire under the direction of Emma Preston.
When the organisers invited Jackie Weaver to be a speaker back in April 2021, Jackie suggested she might not still be newsworthy but the opposite turned out to be true as her fame continues to spread. Since the Handforth Parish Council video went viral, Jackie has even presented on the Brit Awards and appeared as a contestant on Mastermind, whilst still supporting parish councils.
Jackie commented “What a pleasure it was to be surrounded by such positivity and caring support for women by women. It just goes to show what determined women can achieve when they put their collective mind to it.”
All the speakers gave inspiring speeches which were greatly appreciated by the one hundred and fifty two ladies attending this event at Statham Lodge Hotel in Lymm. With reception drinks, a room full of local business stalls, lunch and table gifts provided by event sponsors Close Brothers, WR Partners and Happy Day, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
The event raised £2130 for The Maggie Oliver Foundation due to it benefitting from a special IWD match-funding initiative.
Maggie commented: “It was such an inspirational and uplifting day with such a phenomenal amount raised which will enable the Foundation to help more survivors of sexual abuse to turn their Pain into Power.”
Kirsty, Tricia and Sue also wanted to acknowledge the Ukraine crisis and so at the 11th hour they obtained donations of yellow and blue flowers from Lymm-based nursery E. Smith & Sons. These table gifts were offered as prizes to attendees in return for loose change donations added to decorated jam jars on each table. This small gesture raised over £400 for the British Red Cross DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.
The hosting networks were: Sue France Creative Connecting in Cheshire https://suefranceccc.com/ Kirsty James Colony Networking https://www.colonynetworking.co.uk/ Tricia Peters https://www.triciapetersnetworking.co.uk/
