My vocational days have been cleverly and perfectly planned to combine my two current interests: catering/food services and adults with developmental disabilities. The vocational experience provided during this outing was nice in that it provided a centralized focus on events planning and catering services encompassing all areas of development.
My home host, Sheila Gregory, owns and operates a floral shop in Goostry, Cheshire, and I was treated to a visit to her shop in the center of Holmes Chapel. She then allowed me to accompany her on a trip to the wholesale supplier to walk through the vast selection of fresh cut and exotic flowers, production supplies, and potted plants. Having previously owned a flower shop, I was appreciative of the reminder of how hectic and time-consuming the floral industry can be. My hat is off to Sheila for building an exceptional business client base and having such a firm control over her ‘blossoming’ business!
I was also able to spend the day in the company of a very wonderful lady, Rachel Gate, who is the owner of Country Kitchen (tel/fax 01606 44605). Rachel provides event planning and catering services in the Cheshire area and offers a full array of menu selections to please even the most discerning palate! As we traveled through the countryside, Rachel and I were able to discuss the similarities and differences of the catering industry in the US and the UK. What was most interesting was how similar our lives are: we both manage to build our businesses without outside advertising, we believe in providing the finest quality of food presentation at an affordable cost, we treat our staff as our family, and we love what we do! Rachel took me to visit Athena Catering Hire (a supply rental facility), Heaton House Farm (a fabulous wedding venue) in Macclesfield www.heatonhousefarm.co.uk followed by a trip to Riverford Organic Veg (providing free delivery of organic produce) www.riverford.co.uk/wash .
What I appreciated most about this very full day of events was the warm hospitality provided by Rachel and her assistant, Georgia. The open, honest conversation allowed me to share as much about my home and business as I was able to learn about the businesses I visited. I truly believe that this is exactly what Rotary intends the experience to provide…sharing!
On an additional note, Rachel was injured in an accident a few days after my vocational day. My thoughts and prayers remain with her and her family/staff as she works toward her recovery!