Main lesson learnt was “Want sound financial advice – you have to pay for it”

Paul kindly donated copies of his book “Tricks of the Rich” to those who attended, so that we could pick up some new ideas. His book is still available to WIN members at a discount, please contact www.pearsonbooks.com

Since then, we have come across a financial service run by women for women and would recommend that you have a look www.independentwomen.co.uk

If you lose it, there’s no need to worry. Simply click on the “Forgotton password” link on the right hand side of the website or on the login page, and you will be prompted for your email address. Enter it, and a new password will be sent to your email inbox. Simply follow the instructions of the email, and you should be able to gain access again.

You are also able to change your password to something that’s more personal to you and easier to remember – just visit your profile and look for ‘New Password’ around half way down the page.

If you’re unsure which email address you are registered under, or if you are having any difficulty, then send an email through to the site admin team, who will remedy the situation as quickly as possible.

Many thanks

The Third WIN Shebeen was a great night. Edward Bracken and his fantastic staff made us feel very welcome at the Gore Hotel and WIN are all very grateful to Rory Godson of Powerscourt for their most generous sponsorship.

The level of buzz the top range of the decibel metre from the off and once supper had been enjoyed, the show began under the leadership of Ros Hubbard. Stephen Mangan and Tamsin Grieg were our MC’s for the evening and they were wonderful hosts. Tamsin made us all cry when she read Seamus Heaney’s The Spirit level and Stephen proved himself completely wrong when he said that he hadn’t learnt anything from his previous years doing the job when he then proceeded to host comically and brilliantly

Janet Harbison opened the show with some dazzling harp playing. The delightful Kevin Trainor from Co. Down who sang his heart out and won a lot of new fans – watch out for Kevin on the West End stages and beyond for many years to come. Paddy Nolan delighted everyone with his renditions of Phil The Fluter’s Ball and The Garden where the Praties Grow.

His Excellency, the Irish Ambassador, Bobby McDonagh and his wife Mary, joined in along with Minister Joan Burton, Minister for Social Protection. The Ambassador was delighted to be photographed with our surprise guest……

Rod Melvin supported all the acts and did a turn himself but was especially brilliant at an off the cuff backing to Tamsin’s Seamus Heaney’s poem, not a dry eye in the house.

The gorgeous Jessie Buckley once again wowed the crowd with some beautiful songs and an unforgettable performance of “At Last…”

The Brilliant Things a fabulous young Irish duo had everyone singing along to The Fields of Athenry we are sure the Irish Rugby squad’s heard us in Dublin….so in a small way we were part of the amazing 24 – 8 Victory…..

Adrian Dunbar another surprise and wonderful star sang a hugely well received The Leitrim Lament.

The Irish/Iranian/Geordie comedian Patrick Monahan closed the show, he was hilarious and had everyone in stitches. A great end to a superb show.

Those with stamina retreated to the Library where wine and song saw us into the small hours – sore throats and heads as usual on the 18^th March.

Huge thank to our sponsors – The Gore Hotel and Powerscourt, The Win Executive who all worked their socks off, especially Ros Hubbard who persuaded and cajoled such an array of glittering stars to entertain us and to everyone who came. This is a great annual event in our calendar so please support us again and remember that all the money we raise goes to the the IYF.

Photos from the night

Nonetheless we had an excellent line-up of speakers. Naomi Long, the newly elected MP for East Belfast and former Mayor of Belfast, spoke about her career to date and her reasons for getting involved in politics. She was followed by our very own WIN committee member, Ros Hubbard, who talked about her very interesting career working as a Casting Agent on films such as ‘The Commitments’ and ‘Lord of the Rings’. She was spellbinding. Finally, Baroness Blood herself enthralled us with both amusing and poignant tales of her life as a Union activist, a community spokesperson and her unexpected elevation to the peerage. She was honest and straight talking as well as funny and unpretentious.

The evening ended with a lively question and answer session whilst the excellent House of Lords staff made sure we had plenty to eat and drink. This event is always a sell out and Baroness Blood has agreed to host another reception in 2011 in the Atlee Room on the 18th October 2011.

WIN is a remarkable network group providing a professional and social backdrop to help meet new friends and business associates- I always look forward to the events and to meeting the many new friends I have met along the way.