Susan Salsbury from Plymstock Gallery and Framers – Presentation title TBC

Thursday 24 May

7.15 am to 9.15 am

£10 Meeting Fee – payable in advance

A representative of the Zoo will be presenting on the recent developments at the Zoo including  the effect of the recently released film ‘We Bought a Zoo’ which is based on the experiences of Ben Mee, the owner of Dartmoor Zoo, who has achieved so much since he bought the Zoo in 2005. Those interested are welcome to go round the zoo after the meeting.

Please reserve your place by contacting  Kelly Crane at kelly [dot] crane [at] workinglinks [dot] co [dot] uk or on 07984 651286.  To guarantee your place, payment must be received by  Monday 21 May.

(Membership limited to only 1 member per business category. Please see membership page for details).

For the long term unemployed  there is a need to develop up to date skills, but often the main obstacle is the unemployed person’s lack of confidence and low self-esteem.  Working Links helps by befriending possible candidates through out-reach contacts, then providing mentors and ongoing support, in partnership with Outset Plymouth Workshops.  

Working Links would like to encourage all employers (however small) to consider the benefits of linking with them when next recruiting.

Dee West of Venus Training presented with her colleagues on CPR, with a video, entitled ‘Do It Like Vinnie’ (about what to do in a case of cardiac arrest and resuscitation). The message was that we can all do something about an unconscious casualty, and those first few moments before the ambulance arrives are so vital to saving someone’s life. Training is all important, and doesnt have to take long e.g. a one day workshop on Emergency First Aid in the Workplace, and could save your life or the life of someone you love!

The meeting took place at Jolly Jacks restaurant, Mayflower Marina, Stonehouse, and not at our usual venue of the National Aquarium.  We all enjoyed a tasty and freshly cooked breakfast as we looked out over the boats moored in the Marina.  Our hosts were generous with the coffee and tea as small groups lingered over their networking afterwards.  Maybe we’ll come again! 

A presentation was also given about the work of  the charity, ShelterBox.   ShelterBox provide emergency support for people all round the world who are affected by natural disasters, such as the Japanese Tsunami last year.  The full kit including the tent  and cooking pots was set up in the National Marine Aquarium so guests could see what was provided.  ShelterBox is based in Cornwall, but has other holding bases around the world for equipment, so it can usually supply the first kits within 2 or 3 days of a disaster occurring.  A much needed and practical charity which deserves our support. 

A lively morning with much to see and think about!  Attendance was good, with several guests as well as a good members’ turn out. 

Following the presentation, the members debated whether it would be appropriate for them to promote business categories other than their ‘owned business category’ during the intros and presentations and there was an overwhelming vote to restrict members to their ‘owned’ category.

 After that energising start, Colin  Worden of Utility Warehouse Discount Club moved us all gently into a more relaxed mode, explaining how Utility Warehouse can help to make your life a little easier by bringing together all your utilities and media services under one roof,  while always ensuring you would benefit from cheaper deals.  He also explained the useful Cash Discount card, which can actually save you money on your utilities bill while you are shopping somewhere else, such as Sainsbury’s or M & S.    What’s not to like??