John Bridge, President of Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce

Kate Lewis and Anne Campbell

Robert Sturdy MEP with Peter Cranswick at Welney WWT

Today I put my PR blogging ideas to the test at a networking breakfast organised by Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce There were a lot of blank faces around the table, it is still a totally unknown and unproven entity to them. I intend to swot up on my data and speak more persuasively at my next event, though there was plenty of interest. Getting them to subscribe to it is another matter. I need to present it as a viable business proposition, prove it is something that will make a difference to their business.

I did meet a fellow blogging enthusiast Lyndon Wright, managing director of web designers 2buy1click and we are hoping to pool together our skills. Chamber President John Bridge said he would like to learn more about blogging and I shall write an article for his magazine after my Blogging4Business conference. (That’s John with the zig-zag tie).

I also met an interesting businessman called John Fenwick, from the Institute for Independent Business, he specialises in making introductions that can make a difference. On his recommendation, I contacted one of his clients, Nelson Nazareth, managing director of BioGene Ltd who have made sweeping developments in DNA diagnostic kits that can be used for all genetic screening, including bird flu. This means the results can be known in 20-30mins instead of 2-3 hours. I immediately passed this valuable info on to Peter Cranswick, head of bird monitoring for the Wetland and Wildfowl Trust who I met last December with my MEP Robert Sturdy. Peter is very charming (see pic with Robert, also charming). Peter was on holiday – and I guessed correctly that he was twitching (I told him about the treecreepers I saw yesterday in Grantchester). I emailed him the info from Nelson, fingers crossed it will prove a great help.

I then headed for Headway Cambridgeshire where I am a trustee to join in their Open Day celebrations. The members are such a joy, the staff and volunteers too, as well as Chief Executive Kate – pictured with VIP visitor Anne Campbell, former Labour MP for the city and now Chair of the cash-strapped Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mental Health Trust. I hope to spend time at workshops with the members who are brain injured adults who previously led normal lives until suffering a terrible brain injury. I would like to get to know them, do what I can to offer help and support. It was very touching to hear them sing Freddie Mercury’s song “We Are The Champions” – and indeed they are. There was such a warm and welcoming atmosphere at the centre I didn’t want to leave. All credit to Kate and her team.

I hope to use my PR skills for the Oliver Zangwell Centre based at Ely Hospital too. This is a medical centre for those who have suffered brain injury. It is widely acclaimed and celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. I remember speaking to the widow of Oliver Zangwell when the centre first opened.