UPDATE

 (21st August 08)

Yes, The-Grapevine is back!  And, very many thanks for all the responses to the interim newsletters sent out ....... its great to know how much you missed the weekly e-newsletters.  On a personal note my warmest thanks to all Grapeviners (and there were a huge amount) who  sent kind and supportive words whilst my Sister was ill and indeed on learning of her death earlier this year. However, over the past few months, I am pleased to reveal that behind the scenes a lot of development work has been taking place, both in terms of an expansion to The-Grapevine but also in technical terms.  The new website is now live and I hope you like the new fresh look and feel. 

Whilst I am not able to reveal all at this stage, I am thrilled to tell you that once the technical work is complete the enhanced Grapevine website will provide an improved Virtual Networking service to all businesses, regardless of size, age, or specialisation - an online environment that will foster the exchange of communication, knowledge, services and products between all members of this community.

There are many functional and participatory features to come to the enhanced website, with distinct rationale behind the various modules and site features. Through an open forum, an open website, an open membership, and an open mind, all members of The-Grapevine will stand to benefit from a virtual network that truly brings "real results"………well that’s my intention anyway!

Networking on The-Grapevine accomplishes what traditional referral networking groups can not offer: the ability to meet and work with a company thousands of miles away from your own business. At the core of its services are powerful tools that bridge business communities, industries, and interests into a single place: this Web site, so watch this space!

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(25th January 2008)

It is with a sad heart that I have to tell you that my wee Sister, Cathie died on Tuesday of this week (22nd January), one month away from her 42nd birthday!

The funeral will be held next Wednesday (30th January). 

 Normal service will be resumed as soon as possible.

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UPDATE & ANOTHER NEWSLETTER ON ITS WAY -  SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS NOW

(26th November 07)

 After five very long and turbulent months, I am delighted to tell you all that Cathie has finally been able to leave The Jersey General Hospital and whilst it is so terribly sad she will never be well enough to return to her own home, the decision to move to The Jersey Cheshire Homes is one that we all view as very positive. As such, I am able to find the time once more to prepare yet another newsletter for you all.  Another interim newsletter will be sent out later this month, judging by the high level of e mails continaully received you can be assured it will be brimming full of business/social corporate and networking news, events and offers as well as information and advice from fellow Grapeviners - a great source of ideas, inspiration and down-to-earth practical advice. If you wish to advertise in the next edition, please do reserve your space now, as you can imagine, space is limited and deadlines are fast approaching.  Drop me a line to:  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to hold your space now!

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UPDATE AND EXCITING NEWS FOR GRAPEVINERS

(3rd September 07)

I am absolutely thrilled to report that  despite the odds, my sister (Cathie) appears to now be making a slow but steady recovery.  Her recovery has amazed the medical team in the Intensive Care Unit, so that is hugely encouraging.

Cathie has now had a tracheostomy , and she has recently had another piece of kit fitted to it which has now enabled her to talk.  Her voice sounds the same as always but is a little slurred and muffled that's all.  But for Cath, it has relieved the massive frustration of not being able to communicate.  She has very poor vision and she has little or no mobility because of the severity of her MS, so the inability to converse on top of that was a massive stumbling block, but we have now overcome that. Obviously she is still incredibly ill but she has now made enough progress to leave the Intensive Care Unit and move to a high dependancy ward; although it still sounds alarming, it is progress.

As you would imagine, I spend many hours each day at Cathie's bedside and as such, I have been unable to commit as much time as usual to The-Grapevine, but I am endeavouring to respond to the huge amount of emails and new membership sign-ups that make their way to my in-box.

 I hope that 'normal service' will resume shortly and I plan return to The-Grapevine as your Chief Harvester; on that note, I am pleased to reveal that behind the scenes a lot of development work has been taking place, both in terms of an expansion to The-Grapevine but also in techinical terms.  Whilst I am not able to reveal all at this stage, I am thrilled to tell you that the enhanced website will provide an improved Virtual Networking service to all businesses, regardless of size, age, or specialisation - an online environment that will foster the exchange of communication, knowledge, services and products between all members of this community.

There are many functional and participatory features to the new website, with distinct rationale behind the various modules and site features. Through an open forum, an open website, an open membership, and an open mind, all members of The-Grapevine will stand to benefit from a virtual network that truly brings "real results".

 So ask you all to please watch this space!

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UPDATE

(18th July 07)

Since penning my note below on 28th May, I travelled to and still remain in Jersey.  Unfortunately the health of my sister (Cathie) has deteriorated and as such, she is now in Intensive Care on a Life Support Machine.  However, she is bravely battling along and we are hopeful that she may turn a corner. My warmest thanks for all the heartfelt message of support; it truly does help knowing you all care.

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My sincere apologies to you all for brevity of this week's introduction, quite frankly I am out of time, sadly I have to report that I have to travel across to Jersey (my home) on Monday as my wee sister (Cathie), who suffers from MS has been taken very seriously ill and my family have requested I fly across to be with her.  I shall of course be taking my laptop and will do my level best to provide timely responses but ask for your patience over the days and possibly weeks ahead. I should like to warmly thank all those who have been in touch, it is difficult to thank everyone personally, but your kind words of support and encouragement truly do help.   Without any shadow of a doubt The-Grapevine are very friendly bunch (no pun intended) and I know from experience, that in our darkest times, can call upon the support of those we deem friends and extended family to help out.

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