A boat house, pontoon and rowing boat at the side of a lake

Why Nature Is An Event Organiser’s Paradise

by Event Planning

I am still recovering from a fantastic 3-day Founders Retreat for a client at the stunning Wasing Park estate just near Newbury, and I have to say it really has got me excited about future event activities. 

In events of old, activities for guests would have been things like an exercise class or a workshop of some description – which are great of course – but this time we really embraced nature and the great outdoors, and it was wonderful. 

As I am sure you have seen, wild swimming has got super popular during lockdown with people getting their swimming fix in the natural rivers and lakes as pools were closed and many have never looked back. As Wasing Park is such a stunning spot for a swim we decided to offer it as an activity, and we were bowled over with the response. So many people wanted to get involved, especially as we followed it with a beautiful authentic wood-fired Scandinavian sauna! 

I partook myself and I have to say it was such a perfect way to start the day being in nature in the heart of an ancient woodland. It really did alleviate any worries or stresses and set me up perfectly both mentally and physically for the day, even though it was a tad cold to say the least! I am a big fan of Scandinavian living and the complete love and inclusion of the outdoors and nature into their day-to-day life is something I dream about seeing people completely fall in love with this too who perhaps had never tried it before was so brilliant. 

Going forwards, I will definitely be adding wild swimming into experiences where I can and always look to offer something in line with the huge benefits nature can give us. It is not just restricted to the warmer months, as this retreat has shown, doing something outdoors if planned correctly can be an all-year-round experience. 

As we were in such a stunning location, we also thought we would have a bit of fun with our guests and organised a Segway treasure hunt around the grounds and a little cocktail masterclass which were both really loved. I love watching how the guests got really into it, had a slight competitive streak and had such good fun. 

We also offered wonderful yoga Nidra sessions one afternoon and a pre-breakfast yoga session on the last day that were hugely well received. Yoga Nidra focusses on the state of consciousness between waking and sleeping, like the “going-to-sleep” stage and was super relaxing for all our guests. 

As an event organiser, experience is everything, and for this retreat, the star of the show really was the location, and I was determined to celebrate that fully. The best experiences are achieved when organisers really immerse themselves in the setting and think outside the box about the possibilities it holds and how they could offer the wow factor to their guests. Planning, giving yourself enough time and dreaming big always win the day!  

Even though it was an incredibly busy three days, I got such pleasure from seeing the guests have such a wonderful time and fall in love with the stunning location and all it has to offer. I cannot wait to organaise my next one!  

If this sounds like something you would love to host for your family, friends or colleagues, please do get in touch. 

Zero written in clouds on a blue sky

Why We All Need To Aim for Net Zero

by News

The Countdown Summit in Edinburgh is underway leading to COP26 in Glasgow and I cannot wait to hear the speeches, promises and commitments from world leaders regarding sustainability, net zero and climate change. 

I cannot wait to hear from the people coming together for The Countdown Summit as it promises to unveil some imaginative and scalable solutions that we all need to turn the tide on climate change and create a healthier and more equitable world for all. 

As they say, a net-zero future is possible which is why the Summit is being held as a gathering for politicians, business leaders, policy makers, scientists, Indigenous leaders, artists, philanthropists, youth activists and others to organise and work together to make that future a reality. I will definitely be listening intently. 

COP26 is the headline act where world leaders will gather in Glasgow to discuss how to collectively tackle climate change. The top line aims of the conference are: 

  • To secure global net zero by mid-century and keep 1.5 degrees within reach 
  • Adapt to protect communities and natural habitats 
  • Mobilise finance 
  • Work together to deliver 

These are all huge asks so it will be fascinating to hear what the various leaders have to say and what barriers will be in place in order to achieve it. Even though these aims don’t obviously impact the events industry on the surface, when really thought about they are very impactful indeed.  

In the past few years there has definitely been a sea change in the events world as both organisers and clients are demanding each event to be as sustainable as possible. This goes far beyond just replacing plastic straws. There are intricacies in terms of digital footprint, having a clear transparency on your supply chain and the layers that go with that as well as researching venues thoroughly and knowing what to ask, look out for, question and change, where possible.  

In reference to the ‘adapt to protect communities’ point, this means that we have to build and maintain reliant infrastructure in order to protect our lives and where we live, and this goes down to the smallest of detail. For us, I have to ask – what could we do better? What systems does Lucy Claire Events have in place to be as sustainable as possible in order to lessen the damaging impact on our world and each other?  

These are big questions and ones I will be thinking about very carefully. So, will I swap my petrol car for an electric? Will I aim to radically reduce my travel? Will I just use British suppliers? On this last point, I am pleased to say 99% of the time I do, but it needs to be a conscious 100% going forwards.  

As a business we really need to know our suppliers and their methods of working even more than we do already and understand their values and commitment to net zero and if we can work together to achieve it.  

Lots of food for thought but we are so ready for it!  

Close up of decorations on a Christmas tree

Top Tips For Your Festive Event

by Event Planning

I know, I know – it seems mad mentioning the C word, but it is the middle of September and thoughts need to be had into how you will celebrate this year with your colleagues, friends and family. 

There’s no denying it – the landscape is different, and people are approaching the festive period in a different way. We are getting numerous requests for smaller parties and creating experiences rather than the bog-standard dinner and party affair, and this is music to our ears!  

When working with smaller groups, there are a lot more possibilities for us event planners as we can really get creative and conjure up some incredible bespoke experiences for you. Are you responsible for planning? We would love to hear from you about how we could help – we have a huge list of venues and suppliers as well as so many ideas to make your party and celebration one to remember.  

Here are a few tips and thoughts to get you going!  

Don’t dismiss online 

As we have seen in the past year, with some fantastic planning and a lot of creativity, online experiences can be great fun. We have hosted ‘Around the World’ challenges, wine and cheese tastings, Race Nights and other games with fabulous results. If you wanted to you could perhaps mix in-person and online? It is possible!  

Get the festive fun started with a gift box 

Gift boxes were massive last year as no one could see anyone in person. There is still high demand this year. We think they are a lovely gesture and hugely compliment your event as they get guests excited and engaged for the upcoming celebrations. They can also be sent in advance and can be themed in line with the experience.  

Go outside the box with your venue  

If you are hosting a small party, have a think about the venue and get creative! With big groups, you can be quite limited on venue choices due to capacities, but with smaller more intimate affairs, you can definitely think outside the box! We love getting creative, and have organised fantastic Christmas parties on exclusive roof tops, secret gardens, beautiful barns, boats and even abroad – so everything is possible!  

Think how you want to make people feel   

There’s no denying it, people have been through the wringer a bit over the last couple of years, and so this year Christmas is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to get together, to thank, celebrate and support. People may be in different places emotionally so for your celebrations do remember this and think how you would like them to feel, what experience they should have and what outcome you would like.  

It’s all in the details! 

As with any event, the devil is in the detail and the small touches can make such a big difference and leave lasting impressions. How about creating a signature cocktail to serve guests on arrival? Or providing a surprise element such as a performance, a speech or special gifts for guests? 

Have fun! 

Christmas is about celebrating so don’t forget the fun element! People are so happy to be with each other so do focus on the human side.  

A candle in a jar which says Thank You on the outside

Every Cloud…

by News

So, I can’t lie, the past 18 months have been incredibly challenging for me and Lucy Claire Events. It has been a case of digging deep and surviving but now with things (everything crossed) getting back to normal, I can finally take a breath and look back with a sense of pride, as I not only got through it, but I surpassed our abilities, added new skillsets and showed some dogged resilience to boot. 

I finally took some time to reflect recently and I have to say, I’m pretty chuffed with myself. And trust me, I don’t normally say that! It has been tough no doubt but in a weird way – I am further along in my business than I ever would have been if it were ‘business as usual’. I have managed to rebrand and get a new website that truly reflects me, and Lucy Claire Events and I have become consistent on social media. This is something that I knew was so imperative to my success, as many of my potential clients check my social before my website and I get a lot of comments and people finding me this way.  

Alongside this, I have organised alternative events, to those that were supposed to happen, with very short lead times and transitioned live events to online with a hugely fast turnaround due to the government guidelines changing and the goalposts moving. This includes a client’s conference and exhibition that was moved four times and pulling together a brand-new event in only a week – that was, thankfully, a great success.  

A big achievement for me was to look at alternate routes to market. Last autumn I collaborated with two local businesses, Woodchester Valley Vineyard and The Cotswold Cheese Company, to produce a beautiful hamper for both private and corporate clients, together with an optional online Cotswold wine and cheese tasting. This was a huge learning for me in light of logistics and packing and shipping perishable goods – I will never forget just being surrounded by boxes, cheese and wine at home and taking great pleasure putting the boxes together! I will also never forget the barriers when trying to ship a few boxes over to Europe, and the odd occasional courier problem around the UK – one time I spent a Sunday dropping off 11 hampers around the south of England!  

Over the past 18 months the events I have organised and hosted have not been huge, as many of my clients have preferred to wait for the return of live events. However, I have loved those that have hosted these smaller events, as they have put their teams and staff at the heart of what they do. We have worked together on their team socials and looked at different ways to entertain their clients to ensure they know they are supporting them. It’s been a challenge coming up with innovative ideas to engage, support and entertain, but we succeeded, and have some very happy clients and guests.   

During this time, I have worked with some fantastic new clients and had the opportunity to network far more than I had before. It’s been wonderful making so many new connections, meeting new industry friends and new clients, especially locally – something we just wouldn’t have been able to do if things were normal.  

It’s been tough, no doubt, but there are some really amazing things to have come out of this time and I have to say a huge, massive thank you to my clients, suppliers and connections for your continued support and belief in me and my business and, even when things were tough, you stuck with me. 

My Top 3 staycation locations

My Top 3 UK Staycations

by News

With many of us opting to stay home for our holidays this year due to the travel uncertainties, the beautiful UK is getting some love.

Here are my top 3 staycation locations – do let me know any hidden gems that you love.

The Cotswolds

I have to start with where I live as it’s just stunning & never fails to impress. Filled with chocolate box villages such as Bourton-on-the-Water & Castle Combe, this area of natural beauty is steeped in history with famed artists & authors being hugely inspired here. There are many a wisteria-laden cottage to fawn over but for me, the real beauty is being on the rolling hills & in the heart of this gorgeous land.

Robin Hood’s Bay

For those of you who haven’t heard of Robin Hood’s Bay near Whitby then please do check it out. This beautiful little fishing village is pretty magical. Filled with hidden nooks & crannies from the days of the smugglers, its cobbled streets & little bays are hugely charming.

Isle of Wight

It almost feels like a proper holiday when you have to get on the water so why not pop over to the Isle of Wight for a few days? If you fancy spoiling yourself, do check out the gorgeous North House in Cowes a 14-bedroom bolthole by the sea with a restaurant only serving locally sourced produce.

An outdoor table covered in floral arrangements

Magic Touches

by Event Planning

A lot of people are planning in-person events for the rest of the year, making up for lost time and missed celebrations. If you are organising an event, either private or corporate, there are a few magic touches you can do to ensure that it’s a great success that I’d like to share with you. Do let me know if they help. 

Give your guests as much information as you can 

For some people, your event might be their first one after the past year so, understandably, there might be a few nerves involved. As the organiser, you can make this person feel so much more at ease by making sure your communication is on point. This can be sending out clear directions and what safety measures you have put in place before the event, ensuring that the venue is clearly sign posted and that there are clear areas for coats, bags etc. Doing this work can really help put someone at ease. If you are hosting an event where people may not know each other, perhaps a little guest list sent out beforehand wouldn’t go amiss so people know who to expect and can have a think about who they would like to chat to. 

Make sure everyone is welcomed on arrival 

This sounds basic, but it is so important. First impressions are everything and you want people to feel welcome immediately. A good idea is to have either yourself or someone in your team stationed at the entry point to greet people as they arrive, direct them where they need to be and ensure each person is met with a smile. It is often a good idea to have drinks stationed here too to welcome them! 

Think about your colour scheme 

Like great brands, great events work well with a colour scheme so in the planning stages do think of this as this will inform your decoration choice. If it is a business event, what are the brand colours that are hosting it? or if it’s a private event, what is the venue like and the overall ambience you would like to create? Having a well thought out colour scheme can really make a difference as well as making for some great snaps! 

 Have a focal point for the event 

If you can, it’s good to have a centrepiece for the event – like gathering around to cut the cake or making that speech or listening to that performance. This gives people a focal point that they know is coming and can hang around for. 

Know what you want out of your event 

If your event is a biggy, do you want people to shout about it? Do you want people to post on social media about how much of a great time they’re having? If so, do you have a hashtag you want them to use, or even better, a specific area where they can pose for pictures? Make this super clear pre and during your event. 

Think about final impressions 

This is one that doesn’t get the attention it deserves at times, but it is so important. For many of us, we chat about the event on the way home, so your final impression is one that can stay with you and help formulate your opinion. As the organiser you need to think about people’s final experiences. Are you giving them something to leave with? Are you seeing your guests out and thanking them for coming? Is there a follow-up promised? Put yourself into their shoes and ask yourself what would make you have a lasting positive impression. 

View of a pool at a spa with loungers leading out to a terrace

Time To Retreat? 

by News

As the world plans to re-open, a lot of us will be looking for a bit of much needed R and R, and to treat ourselves after what has been a challenging year. I love organising retreats for both corporate and private clients and getting creative to make it a special experience for all.

Here are a few venue recommendations in my local area – the Cotswolds – and an extra one in Essex; a beautiful island retreat! All of these will provide a superb location for a wonderful getaway with colleagues, clients, teams, family and friends. Do let me know if we can help you organise your next retreat or getaway, as we would love to add those extra special touches for you. 

North Cadbury Court  

This is a gorgeous spot for a touch of decadence and grandeur. Owned by the Montgomery family who are world famous for their Cheddar cheese, this stunning Grade I 16th century country house stands in 1,500 acres of beautiful parkland and gardens in the glorious Somerset countryside. Conveniently close to the A303 it is just two hours from London by car, and 1hr 40 mins by train. 

With 25 bedrooms, a beautiful ballroom, lawn tennis courts, lake, roof-top golf tee, indoor swimming pool and spa, and on-site activities including swimming, golf, bumper balls, fishing, pedalos, tennis, croquet, archery, basement casino and disco, this is a fabulous spot for a team off-site, family celebration or reward event.  

Wasing Park  

A recent visit has turned this into an absolute local favourite of mine. Situated a few miles from Newbury, Wasing Park is just beautiful with so may opportunities, and the ideal country retreat.  

Famed for hosting fabulous weddings, the estate has some wonderful spaces ideal for meetings, teambuilding activities, bespoke experiences and of course wellbeing with a variety of spaces beautifully suited. It is the best location to be at one with nature and stay in a mix of wonderfully designed bedrooms, each one unique.  

I love the outdoors and walking, so the many hikes on the estate and along the nearby Avon and Kennet canal is a real draw for me. For keen anglers, you can bring your own equipment and enjoy fishing one of the stunning woodland lakes.  

Cotswold Park Barns 

Another favourite of mine! Located in the heart of the rolling Cotswolds close to Cirencester, this beautiful family-owned and run converted barn is a wonderful spot for both corporate and private getaways. With a fully functioning conference room, meeting lounges and 10 bedrooms with stunning countryside views, it is the ideal venue for those wanting a proper break, or team get together.  

Thyme 

Another local gem of mine, Thyme is a restored historic Cotswold manor and farm. It is a wonderful family story where a passion for the land, food and entertaining, merges with a love of local heritage, beauty and conservation. Working with the historic buildings and the farm that surrounds them, they have created a delightfully thoughtful and special place with love and attention lavished on every detail. The perfect option for a relaxing getaway with family or a team off-site with its spa, stunning gardens and on-site cookery school. I would definitely recommend a visit! 

The Farncombe Estate 

Perched high above the village of Broadway lies the Farncombe Estate – a glorious sprawl of forest and field, riddled with rambling trails and cycle routes, and home to Dormy House, Foxhill Manor, and The Fish.  

Whether you are looking to get the team together for a much-needed working retreat coupled with some fun or enjoy a marvellous mini–break with a loved one, this 400-acre estate is a fabulous option. With wonderful accommodation, including a collection of treehouses, a spa, gardens, and a variety of delicious restaurants, it should be on your list! Do give us a shout if you would like to find out more. 

Pauntley Court 

Nestled in the west of the Cotswolds, this stunning and unique country house dates back to the 1350s. Sitting in large grounds Pauntley Court is a very popular wedding destination, but the family also opens its arms and hospitality for weekend breaks and getaways. They very much mix 5-star amenities in a wonderful rustic and historic setting – it is your home away from home. On a recent site visit my creative juices really did start flowing as there are so many opportunities. 

Osea Island 

I just love this place! The options are endless, and with the possibility of having the island exclusively to yourself, I think Osea Island in Essex is an idyllic haven for a retreat. Basking serenely on the Blackwater Estuary, it is just a little over an hour’s drive from London. 

Accessed via an ancient causeway built by the Romans, the enigmatic tidal road opens at every low tide for a period of 4 hours when cars can be driven across. At high tide, there is a river taxi service from the mainland – the boat journey taking about 10 minutes. 

Osea has a fascinating and colourful past echoing back some 5,000 years and is a fantastic place to get away from it all. Catering for retreats, team offsites, bespoke experiences, private get togethers, parties and weddings, Osea Island is definitely a very special option for your next retreat.  

View of a path through fields leading to mountains in the distance

How To Show Great Leadership Through Events

by Corporate Events

Being a great leader has evolved and changed considerably as the physical space has been removed. This has seen good leaders adapting their style, fully understanding their audiences and embracing the new way of working. 

This is not easy, and unfortunately a number of leaders have fallen by the wayside as they have kept on leading like they always have, failing to connect with their workforce and identifying what their needs and expectations are. These leaders’ shift has been virtual only and their demands, methods, output and expectations have not changed, meaning that they have lost sight of their employees and, in turn, have suffered because of that. 

But I am very happy to say, there are a lot of leaders out there who are not like the aforementioned and have altered their leadership styles for the world we are now living in and a big part of this is looking after those in their charge. 

As you know, we have been running a number of virtual events over lockdown. These are great fun, fantastic ways to let off some steam and get people together – but they are also so much more than that. 

These events are a sign of great leadership. The managers, leaders, CEOs that have come to me asking to work with us on delivering an event for their staff have one vital thing in common – they understand and are aware of their employees’ welfare. To me, this depicts innovative leadership as even though, on the surface, they are just organising a fun get-together, what they are really doing is showing their teams they are grateful, they care and that they are appreciated. 

This is a hugely powerful subliminal message to give, as allowing a platform for camaraderie, teamwork and togetherness where the ‘leader’ is not in their traditional leadership role and is at times vulnerable and on par to their team members shows someone who is confident in their role and who understands their team and its needs.  Humility and vulnerability are definitely powerful traits in leaders, especially at the moment.  

I say this a lot, but the power of events is huge and even though in-person events cannot happen at the moment, there is still so much you can do virtually. So, if you are a leader or a manager and have a team working for you, do have a think about events and how you can reward your team in this way.  

As event professionals, we ensure that your event is personal to your team and that the added touches make it hugely memorable. The corporate events we have already done, I am thrilled to say, have received some fantastic testimonials and many repeat bookings so if you are looking for a way to show your leadership and to thank your team, we’d love to hear from you. 

Hearts created from light in front of a blurred background

Who Needs A Fancy Restaurant?   

by News

It is Valentine’s weekend coming up and unfortunately the restaurants won’t be filled with couples staring gooey eyed at each other over a lovely meal and instead, people will be celebrating at home. 

Having this restriction can make you feel like it’s easy not to bother (I totally hear you!), but there are some fantastic businesses out there that are offering some lovely Valentine’s offers and gifts, so why not only treat that special someone, but support a few small businesses too?   

If you are a bit take-away-ed out, and up for spending a bit more, there are a number of restaurants that have put together some beautiful Valentine’s offers. I love what Applebee’s Fish, a gorgeous restaurant in Borough Market, has put together – a luxury seafood platter with matching wine to be delivered with full instructions for a real treat. Also, it’s worth checking out your favourite eateries and chefs as a number of Michelin-star restaurants are offering meal kits to enjoy something special. 

Aside from a gorgeous meal, there are a lot of small businesses creating offers just for Valentine’s – below are a few of my local favourites who are also nationwide too. Do seek out and support local if you can.   

Blooms By Charlotte – one of my favourite Cotswold florists who is producing some exceptionally beautiful bouquets for Valentine’s! Who doesn’t like receiving flowers?!  

The Cotswold Candle Company – this gorgeous business produces some wonderful candles and reed diffusers and have launched an exclusive Valentine’s candle that smells amazing! You can buy from Polly direct online. 

Priscilla’s Kitchen – this lovely local coffee shop in East Garston (West Berkshire) creates some stunning hampers filled with local produce all presented so beautifully. 

At the moment when things are a bit tough, some other ideas could be to offer your partner an afternoon off (home schooling parents I am talking to you!) where you look after the kids and let your partner go for a long soak / read a book / watch a film and have some time for them, or why not arrange a surprise Zoom call with special friends and family?  

And for those who are single – there is no reason not to treat yourself, or a friend, and make them feel special. 

Little touches and thoughts go a long way at the moment and often, they cost nothing so please do have a wonderful Valentine’s whatever you decide to do. 

Person making a heart shape with their hands at a concert

An Ode To My Events Industry

by News

Our precious events industry has taken severe knocks in the past year and events as we knew and loved them are no more with many professionals waiting in the wings to start working in the industry they love again.

I can’t lie, it’s been an emotional rollercoaster the past year working in events with a lot of anger, frustration and sadness seeing friends, colleagues, venues and organisations suffer and fall. There is a deep feeling that this could have been avoided with better guidance and leadership, which make the emotions even more raw, but sadly we are where we are and we have to try and regain some semblance of our industry from the ashes.

What comforts me is the power and magic of events. There is no feeling like it – being with your group of people, sharing an experience in that exact moment and celebrating the emotions that go with that. I talk a lot about making memories and events do just that. When you think back to your happiest of times, I bet events feature highly. It’s that sense of occasion, celebration, togetherness and euphoria that is so powerful and so hugely memorable.

I have no doubt in my mind that the events industry will be back stronger than ever as soon as allowed, but there will always be a sadness about those that didn’t make it. I hope more than anything they reincarnate into something bigger and better. We are all seeing an almost chomping-at-the-bit desire to connect and be together from both private and corporate worlds and gone is the need for physical things and their once grave importance, replaced with the desire to be with those we cherish.

Even though the ever-present pandemic has been uncategorically rough on most of us, the glimmer of positivity for me has been people’s realisation of their need for others and their need to experience, laugh, sing, dance and just be together. We were in fear of the perceived need for things replacing what really matters – connection, and I cannot wait to organise amazing events for people to be together. It’s going to be emotional!