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Liverpool Early Music Festival

liverpool early music festival

"Inclusive... non-pretentious... I really wish all “classical” concerts were like this” Attila the Stockbroker on our Christmas concert in Worthing 2018 in The Morning Star The Telling attempts to break new ground, where new writing and music collide. We are also known for our special intimate performances of carols and performances of medieval and renaissance music. Our most recent show, I Spie (2021), starring Dominic Marsh, Danny Webb and Alice Imelda, toured the UK and was released on film. It tells the little known story of composer John Dowland and his brush with the Elizabethan secret service. Pre-pandemic, in 2019/20 we undertook 28 performances & 4 public workshops. We have performed at Buxton International Music Festival, Music at Oxford (3 performances) Little Missenden Festival, Brighton Early Music Festival (4 performances), Keele Concerts Society, Kingston Early Music, Totnes Early Music Society – and working with other groups including The Sixteen, we spearheaded our own Liverpool Early Music Festival. The Telling leads the way in delivering online workshops - delivering weekly singing sessions for over a year throughout the 2020/21 lockdowns which participants described as a “lifeline”: “I found myself in tears as I realised it was the first time in many years I'd actually been able to sing a carol” Workshop participant We record for First Hand Records: our first CD Gardens of Delight was selected for BBC Music Magazine playlist for April 2019 and our second CD Secret Life of Carols reached #25 in the Classical Charts in December 2019. David Mellor called it his "absolute favourite" 2019 Christmas Album and it was in The Guardian, BBC Music Magazine, The Daily Mail and Classic FM's “Best Christmas Albums” lists. "imaginative and eclectic" The Guardian, Fiona Maddocks on Secret Life of Carols CD "Siren-like voices ... an ardour to these performances that is hard to resist." BBC Music Magazine on Gardens of Delight CD “unexpected delight from beginning to end, and really strongly recommended” David Mellor, Classic FM/Daily Mail on Secret Life of Carols CD Our most recent CD consists of the soundtracks of the Vision and Unsung Heroine concertplays, released in memory of Ariane Prüssner, and received a four-star review from BBC Music Magazine: "austere, serene and highly evocative" BBC Music Magazine on Vision and Unsung Heroine Soundtracks During 2020/21, The Telling received critical praise for their online arthouse films of concertplays. Most notably, Vision by Clare Norburn, which follows the extraordinary medieval Abbess Hildegard of Bingen played by Teresa Banham (RSC/Shared Experience), was selected by The Guardian’s Tim Ashley as one of the Top 3 online summer music highlights alongside the Salzburg and Edinburgh Festivals. "Norburn and mezzo Ariane Prüssner are mesmerising in the music." The Guardian, Tim Ashley Love in the Lockdown also by Clare Norburn, starring Alec Newman & Rachael Stirling, is an online play with music, rehearsed and filmed entirely over Zoom or on actor & musicians' recording devices from their own homes. It was shortlisted in 6 categories for the SceneSaver Awards at which Nicholas Renton won Best Director. "an exploration of the boundaries between art & life ... intelligent … does more than reflect overfamiliar pandemic situations back at us ... it finds new terrain" The Guardian, Arifa Akbar

Touchtennis

touchtennis

Leatherhead

Thank you for visiting touchtennis.com, and welcome to the tribe. touchtennis was founded by Rashid Ahmad in 2002 (or it may be 2003 depending on how many slams he wants to credit himself with) and his initial vision was simple – to create a sport that works for every age and every ability, possible to play anywhere, that will foster fun and connection above all, as well as of course getting people fit, energised and moving. Played on a 12 x 6 metre compact court with foam balls, a foldaway and easy to set up net and 21 inch tennis racquets, you can set up to play wherever you like from your school, park, garden or even the beach. Although the game is particularly attractive to beginners and less experienced tennis players looking to improve their hand-eye coordination, if you want to take it a step further from your garden, you might be interested in joining the growing touchtennis world tour. With Slams and Masters Tournaments, the tour has attracted players of all abilities who compete like lunatics for ranking points and prize money. But mainly just for the larks! Because, you see, the key to touchtennis is the amount of spin, deft stroke-play, chess-like tactics and unique, sometimes even silly, rules like using your body to make shots after (and only after) you’ve made a shot by throwing your racquet at a ball you couldn’t reach. It’s a game that is brains over brawn, touch over power, spin over strength, flair over fighting. And this is where the bigger vision comes in and why we would love you to join us – we believe as people soften their approach to sport they can soften their approach to life and that touchtennis can become about connection, community, purpose and a sense of belonging in something fun and healthy instead of to violent gangs or peer pressure activities or just to break the habit of your life stressors. We all have them. The bigger picture is to see touchtennis being a force for change and good around conflict and violence. A court straddling the borders of warring countries where individuals from those nations are seen battling their feelings through the skill and expertise of touchtennis and having fun doing it, perhaps even sharing a doubles partner with someone from the opposite country would be Rashid’s dream. (We are also striving to make our products sustainable and cheap for the whole world to be able to afford to play.) touchtennis shows that what divides is not as great as what unites us in this instance via a playful, intricate but easy sport. As Gandhi said “The golden way is to be friends with the world and to regard the whole human family as one.” We would love you to join the tribe. The touchtennis website is packed with further information including where you can give it a go and how you can set up your own court, but if you want to know more or to get involved don’t hesitate to get in touch by emailing here. We hope you enjoyed the pun!

Sarina Mann, Breakthrough Public Speaking

sarina mann, breakthrough public speaking

I graduated from the University of Southampton with a BA in Philosophy and Politics and a Master’s degree in International Relations and Development Studies. During my post-graduate degree, I was employed by the Politics Department as an undergraduate group tutor. After this, I worked as a Research Assistant at the University of Bournemouth until I made the decision to leave academia and work in the charity sector. I spent years working in the charity sector until I was diagnosed with a chronic illness that limited my mobility for almost a decade. During this time, I realised I needed to think creatively about work and that’s when my entrepreneurial side sparked and I decided to start my own business, working from home. I completed multiple courses in teaching English as a second language (ESL) as well as a Cambridge English course on how to coach people for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam. From 2016 to 2022 I successfully tutored in ESL, IELTS and GCSE English language and later public speaking skills for teens (from 2019). During this time, I also joined Toastmasters International and that’s when my speaking career took off. Winning multiple awards at Toastmaster speech contests at local, regional and even national levels, I learned an incredible lesson; that the skill of public speaking isn’t something you’re born with, it’s a skill you learn, a skill everyone can learn. I experienced first-hand that becoming a confident speaker isn’t like any other skill in life. It’s a skill that transforms your life on many levels. When the fear of public speaking is no longer a feature in your life you feel freer without it hanging over you. Being confident in front of a crowd also means you feel more confident in other areas of your life and this naturally gives you a sense of wellbeing. Going through this amazing transformation myself, I soon developed a passion for helping others be the confident speakers they want to be. Now I run my own business in presentation skills for both online and offline platforms and have a range of programmes. I have a 7-week course for business owners who want to speak with confidence on camera for videos that attract their ideal clients. I also run three online group coaching speakers’ clubs for those who want more long-term, regular support: For university students and young adults who want to develop their presentation and interview skills. For non-native English speakers who want to develop their presentation skills and confidence in delivering talks in their second language. For business owners who want to develop a range of speaking skills for their business such as pitching, storytelling, selling on webinars and delivering training and online courses. I truly believe that being able to engage, persuade and simply amaze your audience is one of the single most powerful skills you can have in life and in business. I also believe that everyone can break through their fear and be the confident speaker they want to be. I believe everyone can breakthrough their fear of public speaking, find their voice, master presentation skills and speak with impact to persuade, inspire and lead.

Mark Taylor Support

mark taylor support

Telford

Taylor Support is a provider of specialist support for children, young people and adults with a disability in Telford and the surrounding areas. We are dedicated to working closely with service users and their families to provide highly personalised, flexible, safe, outcome-based support. We will support service users to access new experiences, learn new skills, access social interaction opportunities and increase confidence, all while promoting free choice and independence. We aim to provide services such as but not restricted to; 1:1 Support & 2:1 Support – support to access social activities, education settings and more…. Flexible service user led Small Group Support i.e. 4 services users: 2 support workers – promoting social interactions while exploring new experiences in the community. Jumpin’ Wednesdays @ Airea51 – Group sessions to a maximum of 8 service users with supervision, 1:1 and 2:1 support options. Local Activity Based Overnight Residential Opportunities – minimum 16hrs personalised, activity-based support programmes including an overnight stay within the Telford Area. Weekend Residential Opportunities – 48hrs weekend residential trips with venues to include Pioneer Centre @ Cleobury Mortimer, Alton Towers Resort and Chester City Break (including Chester Zoo visit and more). Life Skills Project – Small group Life Skills Project to focus on individual needs whilst developing independence through lifelong learning and community integration. Alternative Education based support programmes. We are also keen to work with services users and families to offer new, bespoke support packages, individually designed using a person-centred approach. These packages will aim to challenge the status quo and offer new exciting options to meet service user needs and respond to identified gaps in service. Taylor Support is led by Mark Taylor and Holly Taylor. Mark Taylor has over 17 years of experience working within this speciality. Previous roles involved successfully managing a highly regarded service for children and young people with a disability aged 3-25yrs within Telford as part of Telford and Wrekin Council’s Ican2 short breaks provision. Holly Taylor has over 14 years of experience working within the education and social care sector. 7 years specifically managing social care provisions for Children and Adults with additional needs. Qualified with a BA hons degree and Early Years Professional Status (level 6), Previous roles include working in Early years provisions, mainstream school support, family support worker, case worker and now as proud Co-Owner and Director of Service Delivery of Taylor Support. Holly is the registered CQC manager and Safeguarding trainer. Holly feels that through the varied roles she has carried out, in particular supporting families to best meet needs, leading on reviews, EHCP meetings, liaising with professionals, to being the service lead locally for the short breaks activity offer for children and young adults with additional and complex needs provides her with a holistic view and experience to best support the business. Holly loves her role now managing a company focused on providing bespoke and personalized support for vulnerable children, young people, adults and families as well as maintaining direct face to face work to ensure the service meets the needs of the people they provide a service for.

Fox Wood Forest School

fox wood forest school

Roydon

Fox Wood Forest School was founded in April 2016 and registered as a not for profit company in November of the same year. The following aims are at the heart of what we do: to support both physical and mental wellbeing of all participants through time in nature, adventurous play and connection with others to encourage children and families to connect with nature through play and exploration, so that they might be the ones to protect it in future to create a haven for wildlife within our local community Meet the team - All of whom live locally in Roydon and Diss Ange - Director - Chair Forest school leader, teacher and mother of three. I am passionate about giving children the opportunity to learn through child led play. I taught for seven years mostly in Norfolk, I loved the buzz and excitement of working with children, but was frustrated by the constraints of the school curriculum, so after a break to have children I explored other avenues. Through Suffolk Wildlife Trust I discovered Forest School - I had finally found what I wanted to do! What I love most about Forest School is seeing children gain confidence, resilience and independence. Watching the look of determination on their faces as they persevere with something challenging and seeing their pride and smiles of joy when they succeed is really special. Louise - Director - Secretary Mum of two who loves the natural world and getting creative. I hold a Level 3 qualification in Childhood Studies and I have worked with children and families for 16yrs+ in a variety of roles including; Nursery Nurse, Play Worker, SEN teaching assistant and Education Officer. I also run family art workshops, community art projects and illustrate nature connection activities Play.Make.Create.Art. I became a Level 3 Forest School Leader because it encompasses everything I’m passionate about, play and nature! Child led play is so important to help develop confidence, problem solving and resilience. Forest school promotes this with a connection to nature, encouraging learners to explore and be adventurous with freedom. Both my boys have benefitted hugely from forest school, improving their wellbeing and independence. I love to see them fully engaged in the natural world and confident to try new things, unplugged and free to play! Lorraine - Director - Treasurer Teacher, mum, home educator, avid supporter of forest school and regular volunteer at Fox Wood. I fully support the forest school ethos of giving children freedom to play in exciting and beautiful natural environments, enabling them to foster a love of the outdoors. The benefits I have observed for my own children include; increased confidence and a readiness to push and challenge themselves, they have gained new skills and have a greater consideration for the local environment. I would love to see this unique resource and essential childhood play experience available for the benefit of more local families. Jennie - Director Local mum, keen supporter of forest school and regular volunteer. I value the opportunity it offers for children in my local community to spend more time outside learning through adventurous play

James Hall: Singing & Theatre Arts Teacher | Musical Director | Piano Accompanist | Composer

james hall: singing & theatre arts teacher | musical director | piano accompanist | composer

Kingston upon Thames

James Hall is a diligent and creative music professional who is immersed in Musical Theatre. He specialises in musical direction and the teaching of singing and performance techniques. As a musical director he aspires to provide an excellent musical product and experience for all. His thorough approach means that he creates a relaxed yet professional atmosphere for musicians, casts and creative teams. As a teacher he challenges students to explore a range of strategies and tools to get the best out of their voice and performance. He ensures students maintain their individuality, creative musicality and performance integrity.   As a singing teacher James specialises in musical theatre, incorporating the Estill model in his teaching. As well as leading workshops and group singing classes James teaches privately offering lessons for adults and children; both professional and amateur. As well as fundamental singing technique James also focuses on interpretation and acting through song to enhance the performance of songs for all styles. Some pupils take singing and music theatre exams maintaining a 100% pass rate. James offers assistance with audition preparation and applications for vocational colleges and professional courses. Previous pupils have gone onto study at Arts Educational School, Mountview, Guildford School of Acting, London Studio Centre, ALRA, The Urdang Academy, Italia Conti, The Oxford School of Drama, The Brit School, University of Chichester and others have gone on to perform professionally around the country and in West End shows.     James’ skills as a singing teacher coincide with his work as a freelance musical director. He works with professional theatre companies, drama schools and youth theatre groups specialising in musical theatre and plays with music. James’ skills and experience as a MD include accompanying rehearsals, sight reading (especially for auditions), leading vocal warm ups and workshops, playing keys in orchestra pits, conducting ensembles, Keyboard and Mainstage programming, creating arrangements and composing award winning music. Are you a parent or guardian with a child or children who love or are looking to study Musical Theatre or Performing Arts? Take singing or musical theatre exams or just build some confidence? Are you a student looking for some extra support or tuition? Are you an amateur singer or performer looking to broaden your skills and confidence? Are you a professional looking for industry level guidance and someone to help with your rep or audition or just simply keep your voice in shape? Or are you someone who wants to sing for the joy of it with live piano accompaniment. I offer the following: · Private lessons for technical singing covering all styles within musical theatre including Rock, Pop, Jazz and Folk. · Specialist coaching and assistance with clients wanting to audition for drama schools, conservatoires and school performing arts scholarships. (I not only teach at drama schools but I also often play for these entrance auditions). I regularly help students get into The Brit School and Independent School Scholarship Programmes.  · Coaching and audition preparation for castings. · Tuition for graded singing and musical theatre exams with Trinity College London (with 100% pass rate). · Singing Exam Prep for Rockschool. · Music Theory & Music Theory for Performers. · Acting Through Song. · Musical Theatre Rep Coaching. · Vocal Coaching for artists including studio visits and consultations. · Performance Piano Backing Tracks and Demo Tracks. · Piano Accompaniment for local music exams.   Private sessions start at just £30 and can be in person at my studio in Kingston/Surbiton or online via zoom. No termly commitment, all lessons are on a pay as you go basis and you can book, reschedule and cancel anytime (T&Cs apply). Lessons can be ad hoc, weekly, fortnightly or once a month. I specialise in musical theatre repertoire, helping boys navigate the voice break and acting through song techniques. I work with all age groups and abilities including children, students, adults and professional performers. I have particular success with helping professional actors and getting young people places in drama schools. I also provide lessons for clients who purely just love singing, there's no judgment or pressure to do anything just turn up and have fun singing with live piano accompaniment; any style, completely flexible and up to the individual. I also offer gift certificates if you want to send someone lessons as a gift. Previous students have gained places at Arts Educational School, Mountview, Guildford School of Acting, London Studio Centre, ALRA, The Urdang Academy, Italia Conti, The Oxford School of Drama, The Brit School and the University of Chichester. Many clients of mine are regularly performing in the west end and around the world. Teaching and Education credits include ArtsEd, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, Laine Theatre Arts, Guildford School of Acting, Italia Conti, APT, London Theatre Runway, Associated Studios, Sharpe Academy, READ College, The British Theatre Academy, City Academy, PQA Studios, Karen Blackburn Dance Academy, The Ultimate Voice, Stagecoach, Youth Action Theatre, and Richmond Theatre Creative Learning Dept.

Nadia-Anne

nadia-anne

Towersey

Welcome fellow luminous beings, sisters, brothers, co-creators, and light-workers, I'm Nadia-Anne, but you can call me Nadia. I'm a Sound Visionary Artist, Healer and Coach. This means, I create and heal from sound then help facilitate space for others do the same through my immersive sound journey’s and coaching. Whilst I travelled the world as a professional dancer during my 20’s, I was lucky enough to absorb the variations of sounds, patterns, colours, textures, and cultures not only from local people, hill-tribes, remote craftsmen, Buddhist monks, and spiritual leaders, but also from the colourful souls I met along the way. I learnt that sound is the universal language, and that it is the thread that weaves humanity together. I have been deeply connected to music, sound and vision my entire life, which came to light, as a mature student at Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design (CSM), London, which I started immediately after returning from living and performing in Ibiza (2006-07). During my studies, I accidentally invented BeatWoven; A transmission, weaving invisible geometric sonic soundscapes, into our artistic visual landscapes through coded woven threads and innovative technologies. The idea came to me as an epiphany on the dance-floor, at Space Ibiza in 2006. I was lost in the frequency of the music listening to the iconic DJ Carl Cox, immersed in lights and tuned-in to a moment of higher consciousness. Above our heads, I could see the laser beams weaving patterns in and out of each other in sync with the sounds, similar to threads weaving upon a loom. I instantly became excited about the concept of expanding our universal language into our decorative visual reality, through the medium of patterned fabric, bringing deeper and more meaningful connections to the world in which we live in. I learnt during my research that I had a form of syntheses, a sensory response I had shut down form a young age, where I can sense colour and pattern through sound. Working as a professional performer eventually led me to burn out in 2013. Throughout my life, I had unfortunately been exposed to external trauma’s and was diagnosed with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD). I found myself immersed in the epicentre of psychotherapy’s and holistic remedies desperate to heal myself so I could full-fill my commitment to BeatWoven. My turning point came when I took a break, and escaped to one of my favourite Island’s called Koh Phangan, Thailand for an Intensive 200 RYT Yoga Teaching Training Course. We meditated everyday at 6.30am in the middle of a jungle with buddhist monk teachers, ate an Ayurvedic diet, participated in 4 hours of yoga a day, and studied the philosophy of yoga. It was upon my return in 2019, I began training with the lineage of Don Conreaux gong masters. As a certified sound healer, yoga & meditation instructor (RYT), I am passionate about helping other people manifest their ideas into reality, using the ancient technology of ‘Frequency Medicine’ to cleanse our emotional and physical bodies so we can live a life of being in high-frequency. The rise of the new tech age in this ever-changing world increases our need to be anchored in our human ‘truth’. Tuning - In to ignite positive vibrations, will help us navigate through, and dissolve any seeds to illnesses such as mental health, depression, anxiety, stress and trauma, as well as help us authentically co-create an incredible world for humanity.

BALIFE Limited

balife limited

Once upon a time there was a small group of Business Analysts and they had a simple yet great idea: A Business Analysis conference for BAs, created and hosted by BAs ...and so BA Life was born. What follows is our story and the thinking behind BA Life and its creation... BA Life | What's in a name? BA Life is an acronym which describes both the idea and the people involved in its inception; its full title is 'Business Analysis Learning & Innovation Festival Edinburgh'. The 'Business Analysis' part is easy, all involved are Business Analysts with many years of experience. The 'Edinburgh' ending is because that is our home - and when the COVID craziness finally subsides, that wonderful city will be where the live 'in person' conference will take place. We then have the middle part... BA Life | Passionate champions for the growth of Business Analysis and BAs Like all great disciplines, Business Analysis has grown and developed and in turn has gained a highly regarded reputation in the IT world for the incredible positive impact Business Analysts have on a project and business as a whole (yes, we know some folk have still yet to catch up on this fact, but they'll get there!) This means 'Learning & Innovation' is a key part of our success, now and into the future - and we want to champion that. Not all IT conferences really 'get it' and so there's only so many times you can hear the merits of 'Waterfall' or Kanban! What about new and improved approaches? What about fresh takes on old ideas? What about ideas that break the mould? We then have 'Festival' and as I'm sure you know already, Edinburgh is renowned across the globe for its wonderful International and Fringe festivals in summer, the largest in the world ...and we love that about our city. What's more, that passion, enthusiasm and joy is how we feel about Business Analysis. So BA Life isn't just a conference, it's a festival in the truest sense of the word, celebrating the wonders and greatness of Business Analysis. Neither is it a flash-in-the-pan... BA Life | The company Last year was an amazing success and this year, and every year from now, we aim to surpass that. So, to ensure this happens, BA Life Limited has been incorporated. Being BAs, naturally we like to things the right way, so we are fully GDPR compliant and more importantly we have a firm belief in inclusivity. And, of course, everyone involved is a Business Analyst! MORE... BA Life | Our promise to you We want to ensure EVERY attendee feels welcome and appreciated throughout the whole day. So with that in mind, your attendance at BA Life is backed by a solid promise of inclusivity, a 'code of conduct' if you will. Just as in the real-world, we will not stand for any form of marginalising or unfriendly behaviour. BA Life is a safe and supportive environment of friendliness, non-judgement and celebration of difference in all its forms. BA Life | Awards We are delighted to say that BA Life was a finalist in the ‘National StartUp Awards’ in 2022. To have got that far was fantastic, particularly as Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, the creator of the StartUp Awards National Series, said: “Given the sheer volume of phenomenal startups we’ve heard from… We’ve been blown away by the standard of entries in this first year.” The story and ethos behind BA Life The BA Festival in a Day

Alice Dartnell

alice dartnell

England

A big thing for me was struggling to identify with my Japanese side. This not only created issues with my relationship with my mum, because of language and cultural barriers, but it also caused my own insecurities and self-doubt. (I am now very proud of my Japanese heritage, but this led to emotions I wasn’t equipped to deal with as a teenager). Because of this, I was often labelled a troublemaker at school. I even got expelled from my lessons just a few weeks before my GSCEs! Despite actually scoring well on the GCSEs, I did manage to spectacularly fail my AS levels. I worked extra hard to get into a good university (the first from both my mum and dad’s family, whoop! You’ve always got to celebrate your wins!), and that is when I started to love education. In my final term of university, I learned that I was in fact dyslexic, rather than just a “trouble-maker.” My teenage years and early adulthood were plagued with severe depression, and I endured battles with an eating disorder that consumed my life for a decade. Then, after getting married, I became a military wife and was so proud of him and felt like such a team… but had to endure having zero contact with my partner for months at a time when he was on deployment. I won’t lie, it was tough being a military wife! My life has been littered with a lot of setbacks (Oh, let’s not forget I also ‘failed’ at being a landlady in my early 20s, as well as a business owning a bar in SE Asia, and did I mention that I lost my job on the same day the offer on our first home got accepted?! All that excitement and build-up, only to have to let it go… It was a lot). So, with all these setbacks, the thing that pushed me through was mindset work and personal development…. And that is what led me to realising knowing what I really wanted to do. I wanted to help others tackle their own setbacks and be the support that I needed and create a life they love. When I started my coaching diploma in 2016, I didn’t look back. I was focused on creating my own life by design, not by default, and was determined to help others do the same But I still had hurdles. I won’t pretend the road to building a successful business I love has been plain sailing… I attempted to start my business in 2019, resulting in a false start (my burnout forced me to prioritise my health and take a break) and my marriage unexpectedly during 2020 when we were all going through the pandemic. So, no, my story isn’t perfect. I’m not perfect. But I know it’s also possible to restart and redefine your life, on your own terms. I learned that a good life doesn’t come from avoiding the bad times, but from learning to overcome them and become better from them. I’m not a product of my past or any situation and neither are you. I had to realise that I still had the power to create the life I wanted – just like you do!

Pure Serenity

pure serenity

Shrewsbury

I'm in my local gym, setting up my weights for body pump and a "strange lady" approaches??? Right out of the blue she says "I've been watching you", "I've seen you working hard and I'm looking for ladies to join a ladies crew to row 3000 miles across the Atlantic ocean!". Can I ask you a question???....... Have you ever been approached with a proposal like this? Do you know what is involved in rowing the Atlantic Ocean? Fortunately, a few years earlier, my son returned home one day and announced he was rowing the Atlantic ocean - What????????? I quickly started to get as much information together to understand what was involved so I could support him as much as possible despite knowing the risks (eek!!). Unfortunately, my son's challenge did not happen as planned however, had he not brought the challenge to my attention and had I not researched it, I would not have had the foggiest idea about what was involved in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge (TWAC) and thought this lady was "crazy"!! Strangely enough, I was really excited that this "strange lady" had approached "me"! "I want to break the Guinness world record for the oldest crew of ladies ever to row and ocean" she said. "Wouldn't that be just amazing" I thought to myself?!?!? Now...being 53years old, very near to being able to take flexi retirement, I was frequently asked about when I was retiring like I was well past my sell by date!!! What is it about ladies of a certain age that people seem to think we are "passed it!" After a little thought (not much) I was in! I hadn't got a clue how we were going to raise a minimum of £100,000 plus charity funds to complete the challenge, I couldn't row, I despised the rowing machine in the gym, I disliked deep water because I like to see what's below the surface of the water (thank you very much), plus so many more reasons for not accepting the challenge! "If not you, then who? If not now, then when?" To cut a long story short - you can see from the picture - we did it!!! The details for the trip are being saved for a book, after all everyone has a book within them! What's the point of me sharing this story? Not a lot really?!? I'm a very ordinary person (Mum, Wife, Midwife, Life Coach and Ocean Rower!) who had the privilege of doing something really unusual. I cannot put into words how incredible the experience was. I follow the annual TWAC and am there with the crews in spirit, knowing how exhilarating and frightening it can be out there in a small ocean rowing boat on that amazing ocean. I believe ordinary people can achieve incredible things if they want it and if they really believe in themselves hence, my passion for life coaching. I want to help women achieve those things they only dream of, I want to help women believe in themselves and their body, to gain confidence and empower them to lead a fulfilled life. I want to help women be the best version of themselves and influence their children and their children's children. We only have one life - lets live it!