Goodbye IoD

After over two and a half years working there Wednesday was my last day at the Institute of Directors. Never ones to shy away from a bit of a knees up my workmates gave me a smashing send off. Johanna and Helen M started it off with a nice lunch out...





...which laid the foundations nicely to support the fabulous selection of cakes which came in the afternoon. Everyone had so kindly got together and bought me a whole stack of gifts. I was so overwhelmed - not like me at all!!



The things they gave me were all really thoughtful and included two bottles of wine, a Top Shop voucher, a guide book for Devon and Cornwall, a DAB digital radio, and a really cool spa pack from Suzanne, all of which I am absolutely delighted with.



After 5pm, the party continued with drinks in the office, and then an authentic English dinner at Masala Zone, an Indian restaurant. Here are some snaps from the evening. Charles and Andrew did a good job of pretending to have had some beers. Fortunately Suzanne was able to kept them in hand.



More trouble here with Janet and Sarah.



And the usual suspects... Michelle, Cheryl, Helen W and Claire.



I had a fantastic night and will remember it for ages. Thanks everyone for your generosity and the great send off. I'll miss you all.

Weekend in Exmouth

Chris and I've just had a fabulous weekend in Exmouth with Mum. She's been down there for about a month and has settled into her new house and job. Exmouth is a really great little town, surrounded on two sides by water - the sandy beach on one side and the Exe Estuary on the other. There's also other beaches nearby including a really lovely pebble one at Budleigh Salterton, a few miles up the coast from Exmouth.



Both Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton have some great little shops. In Exmouth there was a fantastic fish shop right on the port that sold local fresh fish and well as exotic fish such as mackerel from Scotland and mussels from New Zealand. The seabass was probably the best fresh fish I've ever had. Like the fish shop, lots of shops pride themselves in selling local produce, like this butcher in Budleigh Salterton.



On Saturday night after our fabulous fish feed, Mum, Chris and I entertained ourselves playing cards and having a go at a game called "Spot the dog". Don't worry Mum's intending to eventually replace the carpet so Nelly and Zoe will be safe.



On Sunday we went for a really long walk along the cliff top and back along the beach. After lunch and before a cruise on the estuary, Chris went fishing on the wharf behind the fish shop and caught this little beauty.



Apparently Exmouth is the UK's oldest seaside holiday resort. With its fantastic beaches and laid back feel I can see why its popularity has endured. Mum's really landed on her feet there and I loved it so much we're going back for Easter!