Long life attributed to not having a mobile phone

FORMBY resident Marjorie Hodnett, known as Aunty Marj, has celebrated her 110th birthday, on:- Monday, 1 April 2024. Aunty Marj is a resident at New Care's Formby Manor Care Centre, on Liverpool Road, in Formby Merseyside is now the oldest lady in Merseyside, and the 16th oldest person in the UK. We are told that she is attributing her long life to not having a mobile phone. She also believes eating 3 meals a day is incredibly important, and only having sherry or wine with a meal on a special occasion.

Marjorie has told us that:- "I don't have a mobile phone and don't believe it is necessary for me to have 1. I use the landline to talk to my family and friends. However, I actually prefer receiving letters as you can keep getting them out and reading them over and over, which is lovely to do. Spending time at the dining table eating every day is also very important, especially now for me at this age as it helps with my circulation. I don't think I have ever missed a meal. I love meat, roast potatoes and vegetables, and fish only if it's not overcooked! And I only ever have a sherry or glass of wine on a special occasion."

Aunty Marj keeps her mind active with a quiz, wordsearches and crosswords. She continues:- "I like to keep my brain sharp by doing quiz-related activities and enjoy watching Who Wants to Be A Millionaire. I used to write poetry all the time as I love poems, and on the odd occasion I still write, but it is a lot harder now as I struggle with writing, so it's not as enjoyable as it once was."

Aunty Marj continues with several other hobbies, including:- knitting and drawing portraits of famous people, including:- King Charles III. She also supports Arsenal and is an England rugby fan.

Aunty Marj will mark her 110th milestone birthday with a party at Formby Manor, that was attended by her family members, residents and staff. At her request, they all had drinks on arrival, a singer performing some opera, her favourite genre of music, along with an official toast as she cut the cake, followed by a special buffet.

Janet Lewis, Home Manager at Formby Manor, adds:- "Aunty Marj really is a remarkable woman and we're thrilled to be celebrating her 110th birthday on 1st April. She has been at Formby Manor for a few years now, so we have shared so many of her birthdays already, but this 1 is particularly special. Reaching the grand age of 110 is incredible. Aunty Marj remains very active within the home, participating in lots of different activities and enjoying her daily dining experiences. Her words of wisdom are still very much appreciated by all."

Leading networking group Real5's Official to launch in Southport

A leading networking group Real5 has announced it is launching a new group in Sefton this Spring Real5 Networking Southport and Formby will be officially launched on:- Wednesday, 24 April 2024, with an event at:- The Grand in Southport, from:- 6.30pm.

Following the launch, monthly meetings will be held in Southport alongside regular Zoom meetings.

The new group is being spearheaded by Victoria Jones, an employee health and wellbeing specialist based in Southport.

Victoria launched her own business Pegasus Health 4 years ago; just 6 months before the global Covid Pandemic struck. Not having the option to network face to face, she joined Real5 Knutsford in Cheshire which proved to be a master stoke as she began expanding her network online and generating new business.

The Real5 group continues to play an instrumental part in how Victoria develops, grows, and wins business.

Now Victoria is keen to share her positive experience of Real5 with other local businesses as group Director of Southport and Formby.

The group is aimed at:- business owners, entrepreneurs, contractors, business development managers, and sole traders. The Real5 Network operates a single sector policy to enable members to maximise opportunities in their industry.

The Real5 Networking Southport and Formby launch, on:- 24 April 2024, will see guests being welcomed by group leader Victoria, who will be joined by founder members of the new group and visitors from other Real5 groups from across Liverpool City Region.

Members of the Southport and Formby business community are invited. The event is free to attend and light refreshments will be provided.

Guests must register for the event, at:- Real5NetWorking.Com.

Following the launch event in April, meetings will take place on the 3rd Friday of the month, between:- 12pm and 2pm. The 1st members' meeting is due to be held on:- 17 May 2024, at the:- Lord Street Hotel in Southport.

The monthly meetings will be supplemented by an online Zoom meeting; giving members the opportunity to continue supporting each other while maximising their time.

Lord Street Hotel is part of the Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group which also operates:- The Bold, The Grand, Mavericks, and Punch Tarmey's in Southport. It also has 5 venues in Liverpool; ArCains, Cain's Brewery, Doctor Duncan's, Punch Tarmey's, and The Brewery Tap.

As well as working with local Hospitality host venues, each Real5 group has a nominated charity. The new Southport and Formby group will support the work of Queenscourt Hospice.

Queenscourt Hospice has been providing compassionate and exceptional care for the people of West Lancashire, Southport, and Formby for over 30 years. They care for patients with life limiting illnesses, enabling them to achieve the best possible quality of life at each new stage.

Real5 Networking was 1st launched in Warrington 5 years ago by founder Andrew Hibbert. There are now 17 groups across the country.

Since Real5 Networking was established in 2019, members have made 1,000 referrals; completed more than 3,500, 1 to 1 meetings; and generated a staggering £31million in referred business.

Victoria Jones is Director of Pegasus Health. She is on a mission to make health businesses an industry standard. Her company works with conscious companies to create wellbeing focused employee health benefits packages. A thorough search of the market is undertaken to identify and deliver cover that meets the needs of the business; while ensuring employees have health cover that works for them.

Victoria explained:- "I launched my own business Pegasus Health just 6 months before Covid. Getting out there to talk to clients and in person networking was brought to a swift standstill as we went into lockdown, but I was introduced to the Real5 Network. And I can genuinely say that I haven't look back at all, not even a glance. I joined in the regular Zoom meetings, arranged 1 to 1 with new contacts, and really threw myself into growing my network and connections. Real5 has elevated my business to a whole new level, with 80% of new business coming through recommendations and the connections I have made. It has definitely worked for me. Southport and Formby are thriving, exciting places to do business. I invite business owners to come along to the launch to find out more. Monthly meetings are engaging, informative, welcoming, and fun! No awkward stand up pitches or strict targets. Business can be difficult and lonely for sole traders, let's share the load and support 1 another on our chosen paths."

Andy Martin is Real5 Liverpool Area Regional Director which includes:- Liverpool, Liverpool South, and the new Southport and Formby group.

Andy added:- "I joined as a member of the Warrington group for my own courier business and now I am area director for 3 Real5 areas across Liverpool City Region. The network really has made a difference to my own business and expanded my network considerably. I made the decision to become involved in an official capacity, it was a natural progression for me. I am excited to see Real5 head into Sefton under Victoria's guidance. She has an infectious energy and warmth, and if anyone can make it a success then it's most definitely her. She has already made her mark on the networking scene and boasts an extensive wealth of connections. She is on a mission to revolutionise workplace wellbeing 1 business at a time; and that passion extends to networking."