Dear Friends

Our year started sadly with the passing of my beloved father-in-law, John. He was a wonderful man with so many extraordinary talents - a successful business leader, artist and adventurer.

After retiring from his corporate career, he devoted nearly 20 years to assisting others build their businesses (including The Purple Hat); culminating in 2008 with him being honoured with the Queen’s Award to Enterprise Promotion, presented to him by The Princess Royal and followed by an introduction to The Queen and Prince Phillip at Buckingham Palace.

He enjoyed the Arts and excelled as a water color painter, a hobby he only took up in retirement. Many of his paintings were of his travels abroad - Dad was always ready to jump on a plane, train or boat. One of his more "exotic" trips was on an ice-breaker in Alaska when he was in his 70's!

Most importantly he was a happy contented family man, much loved and now deeply missed.

My new designs - Romance - are dedicated to GrandJohn. They were inspired by a water color he painted for me in 2007.



Anne