A Time of Transition – The SaVVy Club’s® Anniversary Competition

We will all, at some time or other, come to a period of transition in our lives. Be it a desire to change career, a desire to start your own business, financial concerns, relationship issues, returning to work or simply a need for something new. Our lives constantly change and so do our wants and expectations. So how do you deal with change?

From a personal perspective, I have recently come through a long period of transition. I have always loved travelling and was lucky enough to work in the travel and tourism industry for a while which took me abroad. It was an incredible eight months but it took its toll on my personal life ending a long term relationship. When I returned to London I worked several short term contracts before working for the Chairman at KPMG but, when news of 9/11 broke, I was the first to be made redundant. The thought of more contracts, starting another new job, getting to know the ropes and a new set of people didn’t appeal; I needed a new start, a new direction.

My defining moment was on New Year’s Day 2001, I decided I wanted to be my own boss and my new found passion for organising social events inspired me to start my own business. After much research and planning, The SaVVy Club^® was born in May 2002. A few years later saw another change in my life; in July 2006 I got married and so now I run a household, look after my husband and run a business full-time.

But what if you are unsure of what you want to change? Sometimes we need a little help to really understand what it is that we want. The Mangrove runs weekend retreats specifically for people who are looking for a change but don’t necessarily know what kind of change they want. The retreats are structured in such a way that they give you the opportunity to take a 360 degree view of your life. Their experienced team of facilitators and professionals take you through an innovative series of practical workshops and personal sessions that will help you understand what direction you need to take to move forward.

The SaVVy Club^® celebrates its 6th anniversary this month and therefore to mark the occasion we are running a competition to give one lucky person the opportunity to experience the next retreat at The Mangrove, Guildford on 31st May – 1st June (excludes transfers and accommodation) worth £700. Entering couldn’t be simpler:

• For members of The SaVVy Club^® simply book an event from our London social events calendar
• For non-members, simply sign up for your Guest Pass

You must book/sign up by 5pm on Monday 19th May 2008. The winner of the competition will be announced on Tuesday 20th May 2008.

Good luck!

Henley Regatta – a very English event

It is time to look forward to balmier spring days and hazy sunshine. To celebrate the coming of the warmer weather we have on offer two exceptional events. So, without further ado, here are the details.

 

The Henley Regatta VIP Experience

Ah yes, the Henley Regatta – a very English event. Is your idea of fun and relaxation a day by the river with a champagne reception, four course lunch and fine wines? If so this is a must for you. Indulge in a typically English outing that harks back to 1839. Loose yourself within the atmosphere as you cheer on your favourite oarsman.

The Regatta covers 5 days from Wednesday 2^nd July to Sunday 6^th. 

 

 

 

 

All aboard the Orient Express – first stop: Le Manoir

This is a wonderful opportunity for you to step aboard and allow the real world to evaporate behind you. Leave the hustle and bustle of the City far behind as you relax within the magnificent period carriages of the British Pullman.

Champagne and canapés are served on the outward journey to whet your appetite before arriving at the two starred Michelin restaurant, Le Manoir in the stunning Oxfordshire countryside. Here you will enjoy the first three courses of your lunch before indulging in a delectable two course desert onboard the “Palace on wheels” on your return to London.

 

London Social Events Club - The SaVVy Club^® is London’s First Boutique Events Club offering Stylish, Exclusive, Memorable Events for professional individuals.

Do you have a wish list?

Do you have a wish list? A series of things that you feel you must do or experience in your life time? Many people just don’t have the time to make their dreams and desires happen, and that was one of the driving forces behind the creation of The SaVVy Club^®. I believe in living life to the full and making every moment count; life is too short not to.  I One never knows what is lurking around the corner, which is why it’s important to seize opportunities when they happen.  When my time comes, I don’t want to have any regrets.

Here’s my wish list - my top 20 life goals:

1. Visit at least five of the Seven Wonders of the World – so far I’ve only been to Machu Picchu and the Taj Mahal.
2. After learning about the death of Charlton Heston recently, I want to watch the top 50 Academy award winning movies.  
3. Experience the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)
4. Sponsor the education of a child in the 3^rd world
5. Take a hot air balloon ride (and drink champagne) over the Serengeti
6. Fly to the moon and experience weightlessness  
7. Experience the Rio Carnival
8. Send my husband the message ‘I love you’ by skywriting
9. Win the National Lottery Rollover whilst I’m still relatively young and able to enjoy it
10. Follow in the footsteps of my late godmother, Roshan Sadri by starting my own Charity to help disadvantaged children.
11. Learn to cook ‘real’ food like Delia Smith
12. Experience giving birth and breast feeding
13. Save someone’s life by mouth to mouth resuscitation
14. Find a long lost friend called ‘Lorraine Miller’, who used to live in Naphill.
15. Expand The SaVVy Club^® into every continent around the world
16. Organise a memorable social event for The Royal Family
17. Discover a new gem stone and name it “kimite” (after myself, of course)
18. Meet and shake hands with Nelson Mandela
19. Win an award for innovation
20. Organise a massive party to celebrate my 50^th wedding anniversary

In the spirit of tagging, I tag these people to tell us what their top life goals are:

 

Thomas Power 

Andy Lopata  

Bill Morrow   

Oli Barratt     

Ijaz Tareen       

 

 

 

Written by Kim Rix - CEO - www.savvyclub.co.uk    London Social Events Club - The SaVVy Club^® is London’s First Boutique Events Club offering Stylish, Exclusive, Memorable Events for professional individuals.

 

How did you spend your May bank holiday weekend?

How did you spend your bank holiday weekend? Relaxing with the family? Generally switching off from work and indulging a bit of ‘me’ time?

When you run a high-end social events club in London, switching off is never that easy.  Married for nearly 2 years, my husband has become accustomed to the fact that every meal in a London restaurant, luxury holiday, dinner party or any celebration we attend is an opportunity for research and to learn something new. I am always on the look out for ideas, useful information and ways to bring my members the very best stylish and memorable events to ensure that they have a packed and varied social events calendar to enjoy.

 

Taking the express train from Paddington, our weekend started half an hour later when we arrived at the African Queen (a cruising hotel and restaurant), moored alongside Mapledurham House and Water Mill, near Reading. Apparently the house was the inspiration behind Wind in the Willows.  ‘Toad Hall’ is Mapledurham House and ‘The Wild Wood’ behind the house is where Badger used to live.

 

  

 

Our hosts, from South Africa, Andy and Bonny were very welcoming and introduced us to our fellow shipmates (8 other couples) before setting sail on our sunset cruise.

Our cruise itinerary took us through Mapledurham Lock, Whitchurch Bridge (for Panbone), Reading, Sonning and Marsh Lock (for Henley-on-Thames) where Local MP Boris Johnson was not in evidence – too busy becoming Mayor!

 

Moored up outside Uri Geller’s house (famous for his claim to be able to bend spoons and keys with his mind) we stopped to look at The Mill at Sonning – an 18^th Century flour mill that has been converted into a Dinner Theatre. Guests enjoy a home-cooked meal before watching a performance and after the show can enjoy drinks in the bar. The locals told us that before the existence of the Theatre, Sonning was just a sleepy little village. Now in its 26^th year, a lot of well-known actors (eg Dame Judi Dench) have performed at the theatre, putting Sonning well and truly on the map – and tickets sell like hotcakes for every show.

 

There is another little gem in Sonning though, The Bull Inn which is mentioned in Jerome K. Jerome’s ‘Three Men in a Boat’. This traditional English 16^th Century inn offers friendly hospitality, an excellent selection of real ale, and first class bedroom facilities - the perfect place to rest after a night at The Mill.

 

After stopping for a wonderful lunch we indulged in a very relaxing horse and cart ride. Led by Ian Smith of Country Ways, our journey started at Darkwood Farm in Nettlebed. Four burly Suffolk Punches were shackled up and took us through the beautiful countryside passing Antony Worrall Thompson’s gourmet Restaurant, The Greyhound Pub, along the way. 

Having already organised a river cruise for the final day of Henley Regatta on July 6^th, I was keen to investigate what other vessel charters are available for comparison.  Hobbs of Henley offer a range of boats catering for parties of 12 to 200, but the magnificent beauty that really caught my eye was the luxury motor yacht owned by Thames Executive Charters – lush leather and mahogany interior, seats 12 and probably more suited to the tastes of The SaVVy Club members.

 

Of course, all this research does have its perks. As well as generating some ideas for more stylish and memorable events for The SaVVy Club, our bank holiday weekend was relaxing and really helped to re-charge the batteries. Whoever said “a change is as good as a rest” was spot on. It was wonderful to have a change of scenery; to get away from the hustle and bustle of the City for a while and to have the opportunity to slow down and enjoy our beautiful countryside. 

 

Written by Kim Rix - CEO - www.savvyclub.co.uk

London Social Events Club - The SaVVy Club^® is London’s First Boutique Events Club offering Stylish, Exclusive, Memorable Events for professional individuals.

 

 

 

 

 

Fancy an exclusive look around Buckingham Palace?

Would you like an exclusive look round Buckingham Palace after the Palace has closed to the public? This rare privilege gives you the opportunity to view the state rooms – of which there are 19 – which house some of the greatest treasurers from the Royal Collection. But what makes this event so special is that you will also be led round some parts of the Palace that are never open to the public by a Palace historian.

 

After the tour we shall adjourn to enjoy the warmth of the summer with a glass of champagne on the steps of the West Terrace, overlooking the Palace gardens.

 

We shall round off this unique tour with a gastronomic treat at Mosimann’s private dining club in Belgravia.

 

Book now and ensure your place on this exclusive ‘through the keyhole’ of the most famous residence in London on August 12th, 2008.

 

 

London Social Events Club - The SaVVy Club^® is London’s First Boutique Events Club offering Stylish, Exclusive, Memorable Events for professional individuals.

Experience a VIP Social Theatre Event - Marguerite - Friday 9th May, 2008

It is time to indulge in a little ‘me’ time. Switch off the phone, relax and treat yourself to a very memorable evening at the theatre.

 

But this isn’t just any theatrical performance; this is a new musical – Marguerite. A love story set in Paris during the Second World War, Marguerite draws inspiration from one of the greatest of romantic novels, La Dame aux Camélias by Alexandre Dumas. Ruthie Henshall, the award-winning West End and Broadway actress, returns to the London stage to play the title role.  

 

Your VIP experience includes champagne on arrival, a complimentary programme, superb stall seats (Row F) and interval hospitality. As the final curtain falls we shall make our way to Mint Leaf restaurant for the authentic flavours of India fused exotically with a unique ethnic edge to round off this perfect evening.

 

Book your seats today – don’t delay or you could be too late.

 

London Social Events Club - The SaVVy Club^® is London’s First Boutique Events Club offering Stylish, Exclusive, Memorable Events for professional individuals.

 

Discover Asian Literature

It is time to broaden our horizons. Our school days were filled with Hardy, Shakespeare, Dickens etc, but today our access to literature is widening.  In recent years more and more Asian literature has crossed to our shores. Works from India and its English-speaking neighbours are becoming more prominent mainly because they avoid the problem of translation.  

 

However, Michael Binyon of the Times Online points out that we often find ourselves less familiar with the literature of Japan or South-East Asia as little has been translated. But this is now being addressed by the Festival of Asian Literature that is taking place at Asia House between 12^th and 23^rd May. This is the second festival of its kind which will attempt to build on the writings and translations of Asian writers available in Britain.

 

Asia House is fast becoming London’s cultural window as the main showcase of the arts, films, music and literature from India, China and some 30 other countries from Indonesia to the Gulf. The festival will not only bring you access to modern Chinese Art, discussions on Indian nationalism and the opportunity to join in a Thai festival, but it also aims to increase your awareness of Asian literature. You will be able to listen to discussions by writers and commentators of culture, literature and politics across the continent.  It is hoped that it will appeal to those of Asian culture as well as those wanting to discover something new.

 

 

Sally Ormond

 

London Social Events Club - The SaVVy Club^® is London’s First Boutique Events Club offering Stylish, Exclusive, Memorable Events for professional individuals.

So much to do, so little time?

‘So much to do and so little time to do it in’, is that something you hear yourself saying? Well, according to Phil Redmond of the Liverpool Daily Post it is a cry that is increasingly common to hear. It is great to know that our culture is so rich and varied that there is so much going on to keep us all entertained.  

 

But what’s that? You are struggling to find something interesting to do? There is nothing out there to suit your tastes or when you do hear about something it is too late? Now some people would say that you are not trying hard enough. But in today’s hectic world of work, work, work, it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with the latest exhibitions, shows etc. Wouldn’t it be fantastic if there was a list of stylish VIP experiences that you could browse through at your convenience?  Events that you could just book turn up on the day and have a fantastic time with like-minded people?

 

What would be on your event wish list? How about  a Walking tour of Greenwich with Architect, Ken Allinson, or a Buckingham Palace Tour & dine at Mosimann’s or perhaps you’d Enjoy an Exclusive and Memorable Lunch 125 metres above Paris? Don’t worry, I’m not suggesting that you have to organise any of these yourself. There is no need. You could enjoy London’s most exclusive social events calender simply by becoming a member of

The SaVVy Club^®.  Never again would you feel as though you were missing out.

 

 

 

Sally Ormond

How to treat your partner to a VIP experience – wedding anniversary?

What would be your ideal VIP experience for you or your partner?

No matter whether it is your first, tenth, twenty-fifth or sixtieth wedding anniversary, it should always be celebrated in style.

So what type of gift-giver are you? Are you the type of person who is reminded of the impending occasion by a ping on your computer, bleep of your mobile phone diary or a shout from your Secretary?  If so, would it be true to say that the amount of thought that goes into the gift is minimal? Perhaps a box of chocolates or a bunch of flowers grabbed from the nearest petrol station?

Maybe you are the type of person who always remembers important dates and plans accordingly – a romantic meal at a top 5 star restaurant, a weekend away at an exclusive hotel or spa?

 Now, if you fall into the first category but would love to promote yourself to the second, here’s what you do:

 

1. You choose the perfect night out that your partner will enjoy.  Ballet, theatre, a musical or the opera?
2. You book tickets at least a month or two in advance, to ensure the best seats are available – private boxes, circle and stalls usually sell out first!
3. You make a restaurant reservation – note: some exclusive restaurants like The Ivy or Gordon Ramsay’s take reservations 3 to 6 months in advance
4. Phone the venue to ask what time the show finishes.  Organise a chauffeur car to meet you afterwards
5. On the night, arrive before your partner to buy the programme to avoid the queue, rush and crowd.  Present it to your partner as you take your seats
6. Before you take your seats, pre-order your interval champagne at the bar to avoid wasting time in the queue during the interval – agree with them exactly where they will put it, so that you can find it easily

 

I can hear you all shouting “But how is all this achievable? I don’t have the time to organise something like that!”   Maybe you don’t, but The SaVVy Club^® does!

Need more ideas? How about something like A Day at Royal Ascot, an Opera evening at Glyndebourne, a gourmet weekend on the Côte d’Azur, or perhaps a Gourmet experience with a well known Chef?

How would you like a plethora of stylish, memorable and exclusive VIP experiences at your finger tips? Never again will you be struggling to think of something new and exciting to amaze your loved one with. You will astound them with your imagination and always be sure to impress.

 

 

   

London Social Events Club - The SaVVy Club^® is London’s First Boutique Events Club offering Stylish, Exclusive, Memorable Events for professional individuals.

 

 

Calling all Budding Master Chefs

Are you a bit of a culinary wizard? Do you enjoy messing around in the kitchen? Is there a master chef within you desperately trying to get out? Great, because The SaVVy Club^® needs you!

 

We have been given the amazing opportunity of entering a team of four budding chefs into the Celebrity Chef Live ‘Ready, steady, cook-off’ event that is being held at the easyFairs^® live exhibition, at Earls Court 2 on 25^th to 26^th June.

 

Our team will be given the opportunity to work alongside celebrity Chefs, amongst them Anthony Worrall Thompson. The winning team will be crowned 2008 Celebrity Chef Live Champion and have the once in a lifetime opportunity to be mentored by a world famous chef.

 

So if you fancy getting your pinny on, rolling up your sleeves and cooking up a storm give me a call today.

 

 

London Social Events Club - The SaVVy Club^® is London’s First Boutique Events Club offering Stylish, Exclusive, Memorable Events for professional individuals.