2012 will see us celebrate a decade of Ladies do Lunch events
Never has the phrase ‘being in the right place at the right time’ held more conviction!
In the Spring of 2002 I found myself in the reception area of the Royal Clarence hotel having a conversation with Michael Caines. He had been musing on the possibility of creating a Ladies Luncheon Club after the success of two Literary Lunches which had attracted mainly women.
With my background as an After Dinner Speaker (which actually I describe as ‘standing up & showing off’!) & having spent several years hosting similar events at Mossiman’s in Belgravia I was absolutely thrilled when it was agreed that we should launch the following November with my role confirmed as the Hostess.
Originally we adopted the strap line ‘We are just here to have fun’ but our range of Talks & Presentations has now become extremely varied. Although entertainment is still a hugely importantfactor, we have considered more serious subjects like nutrition, Acupuncture & the holistic approach to massage along with private visits to the Cathedral including drinks served in the then Dean’s private garden.
On the lighter side we have had glamarous Fashion Shows, stunning seasonal floral demonstrations & several ‘sold out’ cookery demonstrations by Michael himself. Of course the lunches themselves are a delicious highspot of each event which all adds to the pleasure of the occasion.
Although we always meet at ABode we have traveled further afield to local vineyards, the stunning Exeter University grounds & and our annual visit to Gidleigh Park where the red carpet is always rolled out for us! We have maintained the literary theme with two fascinating lectures given by Professor Helen Taylor on aspects of Daphne du Maurier’s Life & the social,political & racial background of the filming of ‘Gone with the Wind’.
Twice a year we have a Business Networking Lunch inviting distinguished speakers such as Kate Tyrell of the Northcott Theatre, Jill Taylor who manages the Cathedral Third Milennium Campaign, Ollie Allan the Secretary of the Devon County Show,Penny Adie who with her husband John created the now world class TWO MOORS FESTIVAL. We even welcomed the legendary Anne Widdecombe shortly after her triumphal run on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.
OF COURSE we do have fun! It is one of the joys of this informal gathering that I have seen friendships blossom. Although we do appear frequently in the Social pages of Lifestyle magazines I get the most pleasure from our Ladies recruiting their friends because they have had such a wonderful time that they want them to share in the experience. That is the most satisfying accolade of all & I count my role with Michael Caines’s ‘LADIES DO LUNCH’ as one of the most important aspects of my career if not actually the most important!
Have a look at the fabulous venue where we meet bi-monthly for lunch and to listen to fabulous speakers Abode Exeter