A Bit of Deja Vu

Posted on May 17, 2012 by patduckworth

Newcomer to Royston Open Secrets 2012 is Déjà Vu, the dress agency from High Street, Royston. The owner, Teresa Hills told me that although it would have been a brilliant opportunity last year she was just too busy to come along.

“We moved into the shop on April 15th last year after extensive renovations to the old cycle shop and we just didn’t have time to put together a stand for the show.

Deja Vu, Dress Agency, Royston


We have had an excellent 12 months and have become well established with many loyal customers, some travelling from as far as Basingstoke! The economy has worked well for us as women are able to buy quality outfits for those special occasions at around half the original price. We cater for all sizes from 6 – 30, special occasion clothing, daywear, separates, handbags, shoes and accessories including hats and fascinators.

Our biggest success is our “Style Me” option – want to know more? Then you will just have to come along and find out for yourself!”

So what can we expect to see on your stand on June 17th?

“I will be bringing along a selection of quality clothing and accessories, all at affordable prices. I haven’t finished planning yet but I may also put on a fashion show or something a bit different that demonstrates the service we provide to our clients. You’ll have to come along on the day to find out!”

There will also be an opportunity to book an appointment to bring items to the shop for resale.

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Who’s coming to Royston Open Secrets 2012

Posted on May 10, 2012 by patduckworth

Bookings are coming in thick and fast now for stands at Royston Open Secrets 2012. Those who have already reserved their place are:

Businesses:                                                   Organisations:
Butlers Taxis                                                   Citizens Advice Bureau
Deja Vu Dress Agency                                   Fire Service
Forever Living Products                               Icknield Walk First School
J R Ford & Sons                                             Police Service
M-Viron Royston                                          Royston Community Hub
Royston Hypnotherapy                               Royston & District Family History Society
Royston Homestore                                     RNLI Royston Branch
Royston Reflexology                                    Royston Parish Church Challenge
Royston Vetinary Centre                            Royston Vegan & Vegetarian Group
SolarShire Ltd                                               Save 5
Stationary Cupboard                                  Magpas
Sweat Threat Training
Trademark Kitchens
Travel Counsellors Ltd

 

Book your place before 8 June http://www.open-secrets.co.uk/book.asp

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Meet the Organiser, Linda Turner

Posted on May 8, 2012 by patduckworth

Linda Turner is the founder and Chair of Royston Open Secrets Committee as well as being the owner of Linda Turner Interiors. I asked her where the idea for the event came from.

“I’ve lived and worked in the Royston area for over 30 years. There are so many excellent businesses and organisations in and around the town and I didn’t think enough local people were aware of them. So, back in 2009 I thought it would be a good idea to have an event to showcase what we have on our doorsteps. I called it Hidden Secrets because it felt to me like we were keeping all the good things to ourselves. I asked around my business contacts and I soon had 20 companies on board and we held the first event at The Banyers”

In 2010, with the help of Toby Snowden at Heathsports, we moved the event to two marquees on Royston Heath. For the first time in 2011, we joined forces with North Royston Action Group so that we could include voluntary organisations, sports clubs, community groups and charities. We renamed it ‘Royston Open Secrets’ to reflect that inclusive approach and we attracted over 80 businesses and organisations. There was something for everyone to see and do on the day and the atmosphere was buzzing.”

So what’s new for 2012?

“This year the event is on 17 June which is Father’s Day. In addition to the opportunity to find out more about local organisations, clubs and businesses, there will be plenty of attractions for dads and families including vintage and specialist cars, a dog agility show, a barbeque, a Pimms stand and much more. There will also be plenty for the children to do.”

Last year you used your van as a stand. Can we expect to see it again this year?

“That’s a secret! As always with Linda Turner Interiors you can expect to see something stylish and inspiring. You will have to come along on the day to find out what it will be!”

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Marathon Success

Posted on May 2, 2012 by patduckworth

A member of Royston Open Secrets Committee, Lisa Thompson, completed the London Marathon and raised over £1400 for Teenage Cancer Trust. The money will go locally to the newly opened ward at Addenbrooke’s.

Lias Thompson celebrating at the end of the London Marathon

Lisa, who is General Manager of The Stationery Cupboard, had been training for 3 months and ran the course in 7 hours 12 minutes. Lisa said ‘The first 5 or 6 miles were easy but after that it just got harder and harder. My husband Guy was brilliant, he even ran part of the way with me. What kept me going in the final stages was thinking about all the brave young people I was raising the money for.’

Lisa is also Chair of the Royston in Blue Committee and is organising the four-mile run/walk on Therfield Heath on 24 June in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust.

If you want to see Lisa’s London Marathon medal, come along to the Stationery Cupboard stand at Royston Open Secrets.

Well done Lisa!

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Hurry up and book your pitch

Posted on April 27, 2012 by patduckworth

Book your pitch for Royston Open Secrets 2012 by 1 May and receive a free 5 minute slot (worth £15) at Speakers Corner.  http://www.open-secrets.co.uk/book.asp

Businesses that have booked already include:

Royston Open Secrets 2011

The Opening of Royston Open Secrets 2011

Butlers Car Services
Forever living products
J R Ford & Sons Ltd
M-Viron
Royston Homestore
Royston Hypnotherapy
Royston Reflexology
SolarShire Ltd
Stationary Cupboard
Sweat Threat Training
Trademark Kitchens
Organisations and charities who have already booked include:
Fire Service
Magpas
Police Service
Royston & District Family History Society
Save 5

There are still a few free community/charity pitches available. Book a pitch now http://www.open-secrets.co.uk/book.asp

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Royston Hypnotherapy at Open Secrets

Posted on April 12, 2012 by patduckworth

Pat of Royston Hypontherapy at Open Secrets 2011

I had a stand at Royston Open Secrets for the first time last year. My business was only a year old and this was the first business event I had been to as an ‘exhibitor’. So, I took along my business cards, some ‘Top Tip’ sheets to give away and some pre-recorded hypnotic CDs to sell.

For visitors to the event it was a chance to ask some questions about what hypnotherapy is, what you can use it for and what a typical session is like. There are a lot of myths about hypnosis that can stop people from giving it a try. I reassured enquirers that I don’t use pendulums or candle flames and they wouldn’t end up clucking like a chicken!

For me it was a really good opportunity to chat to people on an informal basis about things that were bothering them. The most common problems were poor sleep, lack of confidence and weight loss. Fortunately, I had Top Tip sheets for all those issues.

The atmosphere at the event was lively. My stand was close to the performance area and Speaker’s Corner so I had a ringside seat for all of the entertainment.

I hope the weather will be better this year but even if it isn’t, I know there’ll be plenty of things for visitors to see and do. Come and see me on my stand if you have any questions about hypnotherapy or how I might be able to help you or even just to say ‘hello’.

Pat Duckworth, Royston Hypnotherapy

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Speaker’s Corner

Posted on March 29, 2012 by patduckworth

Julian Berry, Julian Berry Associates, is well-known to people in Royston and the villages for his regular business advice column in The Listings. At Royston Open Secrets 2011, Julian was the Master of Ceremonies for ‘Speaker’s Corner’. I caught up with him at Royston Business Network this week and asked him about his experience of the day.

Pat: What was the idea behind Speaker’s Corner?

Julian: We wanted to give businesses and charities a low-cost way of getting a targeted message out to the audience. The opportunity was available not just to stallholders but also to anyone who wanted to take advantage of the opportunity. Speakers had 5 minutes to make their pitch.

Pat: Was it a bit intimidating for people to stand on the stage and talk about their business or organisation?

Julian: It could have been but we did everything to make it as easy as possible. The PA system was simple to use and I introduced everyone and gave them any support they needed. For 2012, I’m also happy to give free support before the event on writing and delivering a good presentation.

Pat: Did any speakers stand out?

Julian: Laura Woodcock of the Teenage Cancer Trust and T. Sandeman-Charles both spoke with real passion about the charities they represent. As a result they attracted a lot more visitors to their stands so I believe it was very effective for them.

Pat: Any tips for people who are thinking of being ’speakers’ this year?

Julian: Think about the main point that you want to make and say it clearly and with enthusiasm. If there was only one thing you could say to the people of Royston, what would you want it to be? Being passionate and enthusiastic shows visitors you’re sincere and encourages them to come and find out more about you.

Pat: Thanks Julian. See you on 17 June!

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Reflexology at Royston Open Secrets

Posted on March 25, 2012 by patduckworth

Estelle Chopra, Royston Reflexology and Sports Massage, had a stand at Royston Open Secrets for the first time last year. “I had recently moved into the area and thought that this was a good opportunity for people to get to know me”, Estelle said when I met her this week. “I hadn’t attended an event like this before and I wasn’t sure what to take along. I had some books about reflexology and massage on my stand but more importantly I took along my reflexology chair so that I could let people experience a short treatment.”

After a short consultation and history take, Estelle gave a few lucky people a 15-20 minute treatment. “A lot of people just wanted to know a bit more information about the types of treatment I do and whether it would be suitable for their particular problem. There were quite a few enquiries about back and shoulder problems, headaches and low levels of energy. People were also interested to know that I operate a mobile service and can bring my massage and reflexology chairs to their homes.”

Estelle said that she had definitely gained some customers from the event. “For some people it can take a while to decide to see a therapist.” she said, “In fact, I had a client just a couple of weeks ago who had talked to me at Open Secrets last June. I like to dispel the myth that clients will need a lot of sessions in order to feel any benefit. It’s not often the case and I give clients simple exercises to do so that they can keep the progress going between sessions.”

I asked Estelle if we would be seeing her at Royston Open Secrets 2012. “Definitely. I will be setting up my stand a bit differently this year and I’ll be bringing along my massage chair as well as the reflexology chair. It will give me more opportunity to interact with people and deal with their enquiries.”

My feet are tingling already Estelle!

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Meet the Secretary

Posted on March 16, 2012 by patduckworth

The Secretary of the Royston Open Secrets Committee is Sue Phillipo. Sue is based in Royston and is a coach and NLP Practitioner. Sue told me that she volunteered to be part of the ROS Committee because “I believe it is important that the people who live in the town become more aware of the wealth of businesses, clubs and voluntary organisations and charities that there are in the town and surrounding area. I also believe that it is very important that we support these groups thus working towards the sustainability of the local area.”

Sue was part of the small team that helped to get the marquee set up for the exhibition and even went the extra mile by sleeping in the marquee overnight!

On the day itself Sue was in charge of ‘meeting and greeting’ stallholders and showing them to their pitches. During the day she organised and ran the raffle. Sue said “It was great to get to know the stall holders. They were really generous in donating the raffle prizes which included coaching sessions, a smoke detector, a candle, wine and many other items.”

The highlight for Sue was the performances by the dancers from G-Stars and the martial arts students from GMax. “The young girls and boys danced their hearts out and were obviously having such a fun time. It was great to see the support and appreciation they received.”

Asked about this year’s event Sue says “The Committee are working hard to make the 2012 Royston Open Secrets even bigger and better. We already have businesses and community organisations who exhibited last year signing up for this year. It will also be good to sign up some new names. I enjoy seeing the event from start to finish, watching the marquee going up and the stalls being set out, the visitors arriving and then packing it all away again. I‘m looking forward to the buzz of the day and the great atmosphere. It’s tiring but I love being involved.”

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Royston Time Bank

Posted on March 5, 2012 by patduckworth

Royston Open Secrets 2011 was a great day despite the weather!  The people who attended and stopped to chat were all really keen to find out about the Time Bank, how it could possibly help them and how they could get involved to build a stronger community in Royston and the villages.

I took the opportunity to network and chat to the other charities, organisations and clubs who were there. The day resulted in new members and possible themes and offers of help for our Time Bank Cafe sessions. The Cafes are purely social and held on the Third Wednesday of the month from 1:30pm-3:30pm at the Coombes Community Centre, anyone welcome!

I was also looking to promote the new Time Bank Garden Team, which we had recently launched to help rejuvenate the gardens of Royston, whilst helping local people give back to their communities, meet their neighbours and make new friends.
For more information on Royston Time Bank www.nhcvs.org.uk/timebank

Clare Swarbrick

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