Well now I have revealed the news, you will understand that I have been wearing 2 hats – one to run the business and the other to work with Virgin Holidays towards the successful acquisition of Bales Worldwide. I was told it would be difficult and I disputed this knowing that I have such energy.  What I didn’t take into account is the emotion of it all and more than ever I would have wanted my wonderful Dad to be around as my counsel.   He wasn’t, but I know he is delighted!!

So the adventures continue – my step son Matthew told me that even going out on a car journey with me leads to adventures- and that is not because I am looking for any such thing – mishaps just happen to me.  For instance, why did I load myself up this morning and then carry a kettle out to defreeze my car screen but being overloaded accidentally poured the water into my handbag instead???  These things don’t happen to other people!

Looking back and reflecting over the year , there is no doubt it has been a tough one, but there have been some really good moments and I should adopt my own philosophy that I share with other people- ‘Pause for Celebration’.  There were many occasions  I  could have done this in the year and I am not sure that I did, so I am doing it now.  Two very important reasons to celebrate – the first is about you, our customers.  I want to celebrate that you have been so loyal and are still travelling with us – some of you have notched up over 30 different holidays  – so I am delighted that we are exceeding your expectations and also a personal thank you that entrust us with such an important part of your life – your holiday .   We never assume a right for people to book with us .  We are honoured and proud that so many of you choose to.

The second is that it would be remiss of me not to celebrate the fact that we have an amazing team at Bales; I would say I could not work with better and more dedicated people and if any staff are reading this thank you.  I am committed to ensure that we all have fun doing our jobs next year and continue to delight in our mission for passion for our customers.

Now then back to the other side of my character- those that know we well call me DWH – short for Disaster Waiting to Happen!!   I have been known to make blunders as well but one of the worst I have ever done was just recently.  I was thrilled to be invited to the everywoman Nat West Awards for outstanding achievement of women in business.  It was such a wonderful occasion and the stories of the runners up and the winners were both moving and amazing.  There were probably about 360 women and 20 men present.  Afterwards the everywoman team invited me to go to another venue they had booked  We all piled into taxis – I was the 4^th in – and when the fifth person got in I linked arms and said  ‘how did I get so lucky – there were so few men in that room and I get to sit next to one of them’.  A meek reply came back saying ‘but I am not a man!’  Yes at that moment I would have preferred to be 6 foot underground.  I have never had such a long taxi drive in my life as I tried to dig myself out of the hole.  I want to say sorry to the woman – when I saw you in the light I noted that you are a very attractive and very feminine woman.  It was dark etc… but I guess I should just keep digging.

I want to wish you all a really Happy Christmas and look forward to talking to you again in 2010.

About Mandy Nickerson

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Mandy endeavours to share her travel experiences (where she will 'tell it like it is') and also detail the latest exciting projects that she is involved in. Mandy welcomes your feedback - please feel free to submit your thoughts, queries, comments and theories below.