What an absolute pleasure to be invited by Jeni Sellick Centre Manager of West Midlands House, to not only attend their first ever 'Netwalking' event at Willenhall Memorial Park, but also to read a poem written specifically for the occasion.

Ian Henery of The Ian Henery Show, Black Country Xtra part of Black Country Radio and I were greeted with lovely refreshments whilst we all had a chance to get acquainted inside the community meeting rooms of the park. Jeni welcomed us and explained the reason for holding such an event to embrace the “power of moving together” and the importance of connecting with “like-minded people”.

We were then treated, as the guest speaker, Kerry Tonks a Mental Health Trainer and Business Consultant gave us a presentation about the importance of wellbeing and the various coping strategies that can be implemented in our daily lives. This presentation also allowed everyone to verbally contribute to the discussion.

A gentle 45-minute walk around the beautiful park whilst networking with other entrepreneurs and businesses was such a refreshing idea. There is something about being in nature that not only boosts positivity but relaxation also, making it easier to talk and exchange ideas.

Finishing at the bandstand, I was honoured to be given such a warm introduction and invited to read a poem that I had written especially for Jeni, for this event on the theme of Winter.

Jeni Sellick’s vision to combine wellbeing with community spirit and networking opportunities for local businesses proved to be very successful. Everyone present had made more than one new contact.

A key business player in the Walsall Business Community, Jeni’s commitment to empower others is evident from not only the way in which she operates West Midlands House, but also the way in which she upholds community networking opportunities for new and established entrepreneurs, giving particular attention to supporting and empowering women. Jeni’s passion to help businesses to support each other in order to thrive is a fantastic model that works for ones business and well-being. What a feeling it promotes to be part of community uplifting each other!

This ‘Netwalking’ event presented crucial collaborative opportunities for businesses and individuals to meet. Opportunities which may not have arisen had it not been for this event. Meeting all the inspirational and positive individuals today was definitely an amazing way to start the weekend, walking, talking and business amongst beautiful grounds, what is there not to love!

Winter

Embrace the winter and its chilly mornings,
For no matter the season, a new day keeps dawning.

No matter the season, don’t let your hopes fade,
As the grass continues to keep its crisp shade of jade.

The trees lose their leaves, but the time will come,
When new life is given hope under the winter sun.

Why do we rush through life not embracing the present?
We witness the moon through phases from half to the crescent.

How beautiful is this season when the trees lay bare?
Still standing strong and brave without a care.

But nature it adapts with the seasonal tides,
In all the everlasting beauty is where my hope resides.

From the starkness of winter nature is reborn,
Igniting passion for hope and welcome the dawn.