Passionate Blog

Confidence-boosting seminars to help clinch more business

WHAT you say matters and the way you present is crucial in making sure you get your message across confidently and effectively.

Ann Skidmore is a highly experienced presenter and over two days she will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to enable you to develop great style and confidence, no matter who you present to.

So whether you need to know how to be more confident, or how to deliver the perfect pitch or presentation these seminars will ensure you:

* Create a real presence when you first meet an audience
* Act and speak with authority no matter how intimidating the situation
* Impose yourself and your style on an audience
* Deliver information with real conviction and effectiveness.
* Special discount of 15% off if you book a place on both seminars

Quick coverage update - where are our PR clients being featured?

WE were delighted to see a double page spread in last night's Express & Star about Compton Hospice. There was also a piece in The Guardian yesterday reporting on how Musical Minis is helping teachers "spend more time with the children."

Staff at the Haven have been interviewed by local radio, as well as featuring in local papers and news about ETR's jobs boost has also made the pages of the local newspapers. Thanks to Carol's and Helen's hard work, it was also great to see Acutec featured in a large piece in the Birmingham Post.

Following an appearance in the News of the World, a personal finance victory by Anne Skidmore has also been written about in the local media.

Little Blue Dog, who have previously featured in Practical Parenting and Pregnancy, Baby and You have been chosen to be highlighted in The Green Parent, while Linda's book, Divorce and Separation, The Essential Guide, has sparked interviews with Radio WM and Dublin's Country Mix, among others.

TV-wise, in recent weeks we have been pleased to see Compton fundraiser Glyn Marston interviewed by BBC Oxford.

There has been on-going local coverage for Colin Lee Opticians, Cafe Rickshaw and Rodbaston College.

And we have everything crossed for an upcoming piece in a quality daily newspaper about the merits of organic meat after the journalist let us know Clare Barry's produce was "phenomenal."

We'll update on coverage gained for clients as often as we can now, so watch this space for more news of Passionate Media clients making a media splash.

To Russia with love: Wolverhampton expertise helps stem the flow of domestic violence

IN Russia, they have a saying: "If he beats you, he loves you."
With the ill treatment of women so nonchalantly observed, you'll not be surprised to learn that domestic violence is rife.
According to Amnesty International, every 40 minutes a woman is murdered by a partner in Russia. Unicef reports that Russian women are five times more likely to be killed by their partners than women from Western European countries.
Now a team of experts from very close to home are helping Russian women speak up against abuse - by tackling ignorance and encouraging compassion in the legal system. Here's our press release, sent to local media yesterday, about the innovative work led by Wolverhampton women's refuge, The Haven.

Wolverhampton’s women’s refuge expertise helps Russia stem the tide of domestic violence

Groundbreaking work by Wolverhampton experts helping Russian women victims of domestic violence has been hailed as a major success after nearly 600 key workers involved in the criminal justice system completed training.

Growth of 'green thinking' brings £2 million investment for Cannock recycling firm

AROUND 20 new jobs have been created over the last year at a growing Cannock recycling company as more people choose to ‘go green’ and find new homes for unwanted textiles, shoes and plastic.

European Textile Recycling has invested nearly £2 million in new premises, a fleet of new trucks and a new public weighbridge at its base in Hollies Park Road.

The company, formerly known as Staffordshire Textiles UK Ltd was established in 1991 by Darren Coggins of Cheslyn Hay, and last year relocated from Hixon to Cannock to expand into bigger premises as it helps recycle around 120 tonnes of materials each week.

Organic, grass-fed meat from Clare Barry - perfect for a barbecue

CAN this beautiful weather last? We hope so - especially as we are now working with a wonderful supplier of organic, grass-fed meat - supporting UK farmers and providing top cuts for barbecues.

Clarebarry.co.uk is committed to serving its customers the freshest, tastiest and best quality meat delivered direct from its base deep in the Worcestershire countryside.

Watch this space for news of how we are helping the long-established family firm maximise its presence online.

Jamie’s dog skills give 'paws for thought'...

A DISABLED Cannock student triumphed in an annual dog show, thanks to his winning smile, dedication and hard work.

Jamie Dibble, 17, of Lime Road, Huntingdon, who has cerebral palsy in both legs, impressed judges at Rodbaston College’s Premier Animal Care Fun Dog Show enough to scoop a trophy known as The Jack Award, given to the most outstanding student.

The trophy was supplied by Chris Deakin of Haughton- based Benefit Dog Training and is named in memory of her late Border Collie Jack, who used to be a star of the show, designed to include students with learning, emotional or behavioural difficulties.

England football great to net funds for Compton Hospice

ENGLAND World Cup hero Nobby Stiles is set to wow an audience with tales of his footballing prowess at an event to raise money for Compton Hospice.

The former Man Utd ace will entertain guests at a sportsman’s dinner at Wolverhampton’s Goodyear Pavilion on July 10.

Best known for his gap-toothed smile and celebratory dance in the 1966 World Cup final, Nobby is now a leading after dinner speaker whose exploits as a true ‘hard man’ of the game keep listeners spell-bound.

His skills also allowed George Best and Bobby Charlton to develop their flair.

Lavish charity ball set to Help the Heroes

ORGANISERS of a glittering event to raise cash for wounded servicemen and women to be held at RAF Cosford are appealing for people to help aid their recovery by coming along and have a great night out.

The summer ball, on July 12, hosted by senior officers, will boost the coffers of Help for Heroes, a national charity also backed by stars including David Beckham, Sir Michael Caine and singer James Blunt.

It’s hoped that the James Bond themed evening, celebrating the centenary of Ian Fleming’s birth, can raise more than £50,000 for services personnel injured in Afghanistan and Iraq. Nationally, Help for Heroes has already raised more than £5 million.

New T-shirt design helps plant seeds of change

A STYLISH new kids’ T-shirt motif has blossomed into a money-spinner for a nationwide scheme to plant more trees.

Little Blue Dog’s latest design depicts an oak tree and has the motto: “Plant a seed and watch it grow…”

The design is also being used on a reusable canvas shopping bag, and together with the T-shirt, both are being used to raise cash for The Woodland Trust’s Tree for All campaign, with £1 per sale being donated directly to the charity.

Little Blue Dog director Emma Williamson explained that the company was keen to support the Woodland Trust.

Right royal surprise for Rodbaston

WE'RE delighted to be working with Rodbaston College as of this week - and our first task has been pretty high-profile as we wait with bated breath to see all the coverage generated by a surprise royal visitor.

The college's two-day horse trials, which began yesterday at its site near Penkridge, counted the Queen’s granddaughter, Zara Phillips, 27, among the competitors.

The gifted royal, whose impressive three day eventing achievements led to her being awarded an MBE for services to equestrianism last year, was this year’s professional rider at the event, entering the novice class with four horses.

A big thanks goes to Helen who turned the press release around so quickly and calmly when up against such a tight deadline, helping get the word out to the media. So far coverage has included a front page piece in The Birmingham Post, as well as a story and pictures in the Express & Star, with more planned in for this evening.

You can also check out Daily Mail coverage of the princess taking a tumble here.

Unbowed wheelchair athlete faces biggest challenge yet

WILLENHALL wheelchair athlete Glyn Marston is all set for his biggest challenge yet – a 140-mile trek to raise cash for Compton Hospice.

The 'journey of hope' comes after Glyn, 45, a former marathon runner, ended his running career because of a shattered knee.

On Thursday, June 12, he is setting off from Compton in Berkshire, to Compton in Wolverhampton, in memory of his cousin’s wife Christine Marston. He has gained the backing of Wolves boss Mick McCarthy who has wished him well in his ‘journey of hope’.

He has also won support from supermarket giant Asda and lined up a series of fundraising stops at stores along the route in the journey which will come weeks after Glyn was forced to pull out of the London Marathon because of bad weather.

Coming to Wolverhampton on business? How about some Wii time?

Wiiiiiiiiii!...Executives staying at a Wolverhampton hotel can now relax with a spot of gaming, thanks to the latest stage of an on-going revamp.

The Novotel in Union Street, has already undergone massive refurbishment and is now into another phase which will see cutting edge technology introduced for business travellers.

Plans include the refurbishment of more than 40 bedrooms, and the launch of new conference facilities which include a chance for delegates to get their hands on a Nintendo Wii.

Old mobiles ring changes for youngsters

CHILDREN across Staffordshire are being urged to recycle their old mobiles and win prizes for their schools.

They are being asked to swap their old mobile phones for cash in a scheme that could either boost their own funds or a charity of their choice.

The initiative, run by Cannock-based European Textile Recycling Ltd, also aims to raise money for the County Air Ambulance. And there’s a prize of £1,000 up for grabs for the school that collects the most phones by January next year.

Simon Tracey, from European Textile Recycling Ltd, of Hollies Park Road, explained that the phones would be collected in boxes supplied by the company, before being sold on for re-use in Eastern Europe and parts of Africa or recycled for their parts.

Auction prizes needed to help the heroes...

WE'RE busy planning a huge summer ball for national charity, Help for Heroes, which is going to include lots of wonderful things on the night, including a fantastic prize auction - and this is where your help is really needed right now.

If you can offer any prizes to go under the hammer then please get in touch. Thanks to those lovely people who have already done so.

The charity is aiming to raise £6m this year to provide specialist rehabilitation facilities for the many brave servicemen and women returning wounded from Afghanistan and Iraq.

The Help for Heroes Staffordshire/Shropshire Summer Ball is being hosted by the Commandant Air Commodore Neil Gammon and celebrity guests at RAF Cosford near Wolverhampton on July 12, and hopes to raise more than £50,000.

Fun competition to mark 30 years in business for Colin Lee Opticians

COLIN Lee Opticians is celebrating 30 years in business this year, and we are really looking forward to working with them on lots of events to mark this, not least, a competition which promises to be lots of fun.

Retro Specs is about getting people to dig out all their old glasses - their Deidre Barlow looky likeys from the 70s, cool shades which date back donkeys years - any old pairs will do, be they quite old and historical, with a great story to them, or just plain hysterical.

When the competition is over, the pairs will be donated to Vision Aid Overseas, a fantastic charity helping take eye care to places that really need it in the developing world.

But to get the ball rolling, we really need a fantastic prize to grab people's attention. A holiday would be good! Be it a short break, a weekend away or some pampering time at a spa. If anyone out there can help out, or point us in the right direction, please give us a ring or email me

We are currently sourcing prizes for the competition, so please get in touch if you happen to have something fantastic to offer...

New 101 Training Courses in Manchester

WHAT makes a journalist follow up a media pitch from a PR executive? How do newspapers choose which case studies make their pages? What is the difference between pitching a feature to the FT and a column to the Mail on Sunday?
With some of the leading UK national newspaper and magazine journalists on our staff, the:101 is uniquely positioned to answer those questions and more.
We are running our first ever Nationals Training Day in Manchester on April 10th with leading national journalists Michael Cross, Louise Tickle, Linda Jones and Sally Whittle.

Can you help drive a Midlands charity event forward?

FUNDRAISERS set to benefit from an annual boost from the M6 Toll are appealing for high performance cars, vintage vehicle, and motorcycle groups to set the wheels in motion to help the initiative on the road to success.

Midland Expressway’s Drive for Charity event is taking place on Saturday, May 10 and this year the entire day’s net toll takings will be shared between a partnership of local hospices – Compton, St. Giles, Katharine House and Birmingham St. Mary’s, as well as Leonard Cheshire Disability and the Royal National Institute of the Blind. Midland Expressway has an ongoing commitment to support the County Air Ambulance who will also receive £30,000 from the amount raised on the day.

First look at gorgeous new pictures from Little Blue Dog

WE are working on new marketing material for brilliant kids' wear company Little Blue Dog and this will be unleashed on an unsuspecting public sometime soon.

In the meantime, we have just been sent a selection of images from a recent photo shoot by Posers Photography in Brewood. They are all stunning and these are a couple of our favourites. What can we say? Except: All together now, awwwwwww. Top job girls!

Sound investment brings £5,000 prize for hospice supporter

RETIRED business adviser John Smith has scooped £5,000 after wisely investing in playing Compton Hospice’s annual “superdraw”.

Mr Smith, aged 69, of Sedgley, and his wife Janet won the money after buying 10 £1 tickets in a special Silver Sweep lottery, which helped commemorate the hospice’s quarter century of caring.

He was presented with his cheque by former Coronation Street star Chloe Newsome and Silver Sweep mascot Barry Brush at Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre.

Mr Smith said he was delighted to have won such an impressive amount of cash. He has supported the hospice lottery for around 16 years since its team cared for his mum, Winifred.

Client case study: Walsall New Deal

Overview: We have a long-standing relationship with Walsall New Deal built on trust and professionalism as well as attention to detail and exacting editorial standards.

About the client:

Walsall New Deal is part of a scheme designed to breathe new life into deprived areas of the country and has brought about dramatic improvements in a number of Walsall neighbourhoods. The New Deal for Communities partnership has received national acclaim thanks to its work in Blakenall, Bloxwich and Leamore.
It is a cornerstone of the Government’s Neighbourhood Renewal Programme, which has invested £2 billion nationally since 2000, of which £52 million will be spent locally by the programme’s end in 2011.
New Deal is about regenerating areas by encouraging residents to get involved in decision-making. They are helped by partnerships with Walsall Council, Walsall teaching Primary Care Trust, the police and a number of other local agencies.

Client case study: Suki's restaurant, Darlaston

Overview: Our work with Suki’s demonstrates the passion, commitment, creativity and flair that we bring, resulting not only in an enhanced profile for our clients, but also proven business benefits.

Our PR, event management and copywriting services were an integral part of a successful first year for the business, with turnover far exceeding expectations.

About the client:

Suki’s was opened in April 2007 after extensive refurbishment. The former Fallings Heath Tavern had been transformed into a stylish and contemporary bar and restaurant.

Client case study: Compton Hospice, Wolverhampton

Overview:

We work very closely with Compton Hospice on PR, marketing and media relations. We are proud to have strengthened a willingness to promote its vital services, despite initial reservations. Importantly, we have also boosted understanding and trust of the media.

About the client:

Compton Hospice is the largest adult hospice in the West Midlands and relies on receiving in excess of £1million every year from corporate and community fundraising and donations.

Matt's new role is a welcome move!

CONGRATULATIONS to Matt Ward from Wolverhampton's Novotel who has become chairman of an organisation boosting tourism across the Black Country.

He accepted the post at the New Year meeting of the Black Country Hotels Association and says he wants to form close links with other organisations working for the benefit of the area.

Bright future in sight for opticians’ staff

TWO staff from a leading Birmingham opticians have a brighter future in sight after taking steps further up the career ladder.
Claire Fenton and Jayne Tyler, from Colin Lee’s Ward End practice, have both been promoted from receptionists to optical assistants after passing an NVQ level three and level two respectively.

New book commissioned: Divorce and separation: The Essential Guide

WE'RE delighted to report that Linda is working on a second book. It aims to help parents, carers and professionals explain to children what happens when a relationship ends.

Readers can discover how to :

• Find the words to explain to even the youngest of children why Mummy and Daddy are going their separate ways

• Help them understand it’s not their fault and that they are very much loved.

Suki's reviews are hot stuff

CONGRATULATIONS to Bharat and all at Suki's for the glowing reviews recently published in the regional media.

The Express & Star said that the revamped restaurant 'deserved top marks' while the Birmingham Post's Select Living magazine reported 'Suki's just might help Darlaston become famous for something other than sofas and chairs.'

*Pictures show the new restaurant and Katie Love and Carol Garrington from Passionate Media with Anil Varma of emediates at the recent launch.

[Helen]

Light up a life with Compton Hospice

COMPTON Hospice is inviting people across the region to Light up a Life on Sunday at their annual service.

The event has drawn crowds in their hundreds for the past two years, after the hospice expanded their traditional memorial service to include carols by candlelight and the chance for visitors to make a unique dedication to lost loved ones.

The free event is open to anyone who has been touched by the hospice’s work and family members or friends can dedicate a light on the hospice’s ‘tree of life’ as a tribute to someone special.

Hospice chaplain, Rev Rick White, said: “This year’s Light up a Life ceremony promises to be a truly inspiring and poignant event.

City charity raises awareness on domestic violence

WE were delighted to help shine a light on the effect of domestic violence recently when we gained regional radio and newspaper coverage for a 16-day campaign to raise awareness of the plight of women and children.

The Haven Wolverhampton, an organisation set up to help women and children victims of domestic violence and homelessness, organised a series of events including a seminar, a silent vigil in the city centre and a ‘wear white’ at school/work day to highlight this often hidden issue.

The events have been planned to coincide with an international 16-day campaign that calls for the elimination of all forms of gender-based violence and runs to December 10.

'Green' computers to boost good causes

A BIG-HEARTED Burntwood business is turning unwanted computer equipment into essential office tools for local charities and good causes after taking inspiration from Channel 4’s Secret Millionaire programme.

IMPlog, which provides IT products, support and services, is offering to take away unwanted equipment from offices free of charge, carry out the work necessary for it to be reused and then donate it to a worthy cause in the vicinity.

The first equipment has already been donated to the Norton Canes Community Partnership.

Letting agency prepares for property boom in Walsall

A LEADING Midlands letting agency has identified Walsall as the next hot-spot for buy-to-let investors and is opening a regional office to support the anticipated growth in the rental market.

Lawsons, established in Wolverhampton for 17 years, already has a small portfolio of rental properties in and around Walsall but feels now is the time to increase their presence.

Managing Director of the firm, Sally Lawson, said: “There has been a huge amount of regeneration across the Walsall area which is attracting larger businesses and, in turn, more people to the town.

“We are expecting a considerable rise in the number of tenants looking for rental properties in Walsall and this growing population will drive investors to the area.

Passionate about "people power" in Walsall...

WE are delighted to continue to work with Walsall's £52 million New Deal for Communities - which puts people at the heart of its ambitious vision, tranforming neighbourhoods and raising aspirations.

Having worked on on features and other promotional copy for this life-changing and award-winning initiative, which covers areas including employment, health and housing, we are now all set to proofread on-going marketing and news material.

The kids are back to school - so who fancies a treat then?

OK, so it's the first day back at school and I don't know about you, but after six (nearly seven) weeks of the little darlings being at home, I think I deserve a break! I thought you might feel the same so let me tell you about an exciting competition being run by Walsall's Village Hotel.

Fancy putting your feet up and having a slap-up three-course meal cooked for you and up to five others? Of course you do!

Simply find a family member or friend to nominate you as to why you deserve a night off (hell, you can even nominate yourself!) and you could be sitting in your own home, with somebody else (yes, really!) not only cooking and serving up the dinner, but also washing up afterwards! Sounds like a dream come true...

Read on to find out more...

Get your kids an eye test - NOW!

WE'VE all booked our kids in for an eye test after working on our latest story for Colin Lee Opticians. They managed to save not just the sight, but the life of one of their patients, by helping diagnose a brain tumour with a routine check up.

It's really scary to think your child could have a cancerous tumour growing for years without them displaying any symptoms, but that's just what happened to 10-year-old Jack Cosnett. Luckily, Colin Lee caught it at a critical stage and it was removed in the nick of time.

We'd like to say a huge thank you to Jack and his mum, Theresa, who have coped really well with the demands of press photo shoots and radio interviews over the past couple of weeks. And what an amazing young lad Jack is. He's taken everything in his stride - and he's just glad he can play his computer games again!

Jenny, who conducted Jack’s eye exam at Colin Lee’s Ward End practise in Birmingham, said: “It’s just a really fortunate coincidence that Jack was brought in when he was, but it does underline the importance of having regular eye-tests from an early age.

“Children can be tested from as young as three, and we would recommend a yearly check-up as maintaining the health of the eyes from an early age can avoid problems in later life.

“More common conditions in children include squints and lazy eyes. These can be rectified before children reach seven, after that it may become more complicated and can lead to permanent vision loss.

“As has been proved in Jack’s case, symptoms aren’t always obvious and the equipment we use is often the only way to pick up on problems.”

So get on the phone and make that appointment!

Compton Hospice's major new facelift

READ all about the exciting work under way at Compton Hospice here.

We wish everyone involved well and hope it's not too stressful a time. Plans include sensory gardens, outdoor therapy areas and wheelchair accessible woodland walks.

The changes are aimed at creating an enriching environment, promoting privacy, dignity, independence and choice for patients and visitors at the hospice.

Sue Hope, director of Hope Studios and manager of the renovation project said: “Surroundings can make a huge difference to a person’s feeling of wellbeing and we want to create an environment that instills a sense of hope and inspiration as well as being inviting and comfortable."

It'll be great to see the result, so that the wonderful work carried out at Compton can continue, at full steam ahead! [Carol]

More advice for freelance writers

CONTRIBUTIONS to Press Gazette are continuing with a report on how to build a specialism as a freelance writer.

Our blog at Freelance Writing Tips is also picking up readers. Do get in touch if you have any questions. [Carol]

Mumtrepreneurs' funky togs go global

TWO ‘mumtrepreneurs’ who hatched their upmarket babywear business plan over a bottle of wine are celebrating after seeing their brand ‘go global’.

Friends Emma Williamson and Melanie Harvey, hit on the idea to combine healthy eating messages with funky, retro designs as they relaxed in Emma’s kitchen after a hard day looking after their children – and battling to get them to eat veg!

Tasty treat for Village people

WALSALL'S Village Hotel cooked up a treat for 80 VIP guests as they hosted a charity launch night for their new restaurant, Verve Grill, in aid of Acorns Children’s Hospice.

Street magician Russ Stokes conjured up some fun as he astounded with his up-close and personal tricks at the tables, and a barman from the hotel’s Victory Pub, Adam Smith, serenaded with classical tunes on the piano.

A charity auction raised £630 for Acorns Children’s Hospice, with prizes including a full spring-clean of someone’s house by the hotel housekeeping team, Verve Grill’s head chef cooking a three-course a-la-carte dinner for six at the winner’s home and a signed West Bromwich Albion shirt.

Adding some Bollywood spice

WOW! What a night. In between learning Bollywood dance moves, having henna tattoos and watching a fabulous fashion show by Coconut Couture, ladies at India Gates Restaurant's charity night raised £200 for Breast Cancer Care.
The event attracted 80 guests who all had a Bolly-Good time!

Thanks to Desi Nach Dance Troupe, Coconut Couture, Digital Aisa Entertainments, Shally's Beauty Parlour and Oxford Blue Jewellers for making the party go with a Bhangra!

A Passionate encounter for kids' TV star

IT'S a tough job but someone has to do it!

Here's Katie getting up close (but not quite personal, thank you!) with the lovely Mark Rhodes.

Mark was at a very special event last Saturday. He spoke movingly of what a wonderful woman his mum was when he attended a remembrance service organised by Compton Hospice.

Just don't call them "the twins" Big Brother!

TAMBA'S Twins, Triplets & More Week is fast approaching and this year it's a pretty low-key affair. That means I'm helping out voluntarily.

Please consider voting and commenting here if you would like to help my small part in continuing to help raise awareness of issues affecting twins, triplets or more. I've a few ideas up my sleeve as to what to do with the results. Big Brother will hopefully be a good hook...

In the past, we have worked on local, regional, national and yes (get me) international coverage. It's listed after the cut if you'd like to know more.

Ex TV worker takes on "Tesco towns" - and 10 reasons to shop local

WE'RE cock-a-hoop to work with a number of inspirational women. Jo Moyser is one of them. Here's our press release about her.

TV production worker turned businesswoman Joanna Moyser is urging shoppers to support local traders in the face of a growing stranglehold on communities by supermarket giants.

Joanna, 29, of Sheffield, is the brains behind a new Shopper’s Guide To…(www.shoppersguideto.co.uk) franchise which encourages traders to be featured on handy maps promoting a “united front” against the growth of so-called “Tesco towns.”

Women's business group co-founded by Passionate Media soars

I'M delighted to report that a recent visitors' day organised by the Cannock and Stone Wings groups proved a huge hit.

More than 40 people turned up to find out more about what we get up to.

The idea of the joint event was to bring together Wings' longest-serving and most recent members, to help give visitors a real idea of what the group is about.

"Virtual" success with The Independent

THANKS to education and careers writer Hazel Davis and her interest in Carmen's training for virtual assistants, there was a great piece in the Independent earlier this week.

The story is now being followed up by another national paper. What's particularly interesting for me on this is that Linda didn't send Hazel a press release, but trusted her instincts as to what she may be interested in pitching to one of her regular outlets.

A story we worked on with Carmen for Red magazine resulted in hundreds of enquiries. I wonder what this latest coverage will bring. [Carol]

Katie's hard work pays off in dazzling wedding fayre

I'VE been meaning to add this for a while.

Katie's meticulous planning and hard work paid off big-time when an Asian wedding fayre at Walsall's Village Hotel proved a hugely popular and stylish event.

More than 200 brides-to-be flocked to the venue, along with friends and family, to enjoy the display of glittering fashions and Eastern delicacies.

So just because Shilpa Shetty or Liz Hurley were nowhere to be seen, their influence still proved a massive boost. [Linda]

Rob's website a real trophy

We are thrilled that Rob's website silvertrophy.com is proving such a hit.
The canny businessman spotted a gilt-edged way of turning silver trophies into a fantastic on-line selling opportunity and has seen his company go from strength to strength.

Compton Hospice scoops major grant

THERE'S been fantastic news and great coverage for Compton Hospice, which is all set for a major facelift after scooping a £226,775 cash boost.

The Department of Health’s Dignity and Care for Older People programme approved the grant application, sent by the hospice last year, for funds to improve the Compton Hall site inside and out.

The decision is set to make the hospice’s 25th anniversay year even more memorable, with work starting in May.

Tracy Marsh, head of fundraising and communications at the hospice said: “This is obviously wonderful news and we’re thrilled at the decision.