ABD FESTIVE GATHERING 2010

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!

A huge thank you goes to ~Andrew Douglas, Tony Awdry and Alistair Everett for providing a really enjoyable Christmas Party at the Bear Hotel last week. Approx 100 people gathered which was great to see!

The evening started with a glass of Christmas Cheer upon arrival and a catch up.

Cheers! Smartly dressed for the occasion!

Time to eat! Everyone sat down to enjoy a 3 course meal followed by coffee.

Ok, which table are we on?

Uh oh.. water water everywhere and not a drop to drink!! Ian and Rachael sharing a joke.

"Would you like some water Rachael?" Ian asks "No thanks I've just had some!" replies Rachael mopping her dress and the table.

Before the first course heads and tails were played and thereafter timely speeches were made!!

Some great prizes were won in a raffle. Grace was given by Joe Phelan, and everyone tucked into their christmas food.

AFTERWARDS tables were cleared for a 10 piece band to assemble, and dancing began!

enjoying the music.

For those that didnt want to dance it was a great opportunity to catch up on news and have a good time!

A great time was had by all!

A big thank you goes to Dave Turley for the hard work put into organising such a great party.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!

TEAM EFFORT!

The pink ribbon is an international symbol of breast cancer awareness.... it is also used by legal firms to tie up a brief for delivery to a barrister!!

Each October - breast cancer awareness month - hundreds, if not thousands of products are emblazened with pink ribbons, or coloured pink.

People raise money by organizing different activities such as "Pink Day"whereby each employee wears an article of pink clothing, ribbon or accessory at work to signify their intention to support/raise money in aid of breast cancer.

Talk about team effort, a VERY BIG THANK YOU goes to Claire and Liz from ABD's Accounts Department for organising once again "dress down day including something pink." This was in support of breast cancer charity which took place on 29th of last month! All the office staff took part! THAT IS - Devizes, Calne, Wootton Bassett and Marlborough Offices! Its the taking part that counts!!



Their day not only included dressing down and wearing something pink, for £2.00 each, but also a buffet lunch whereby each employee provided food and everyone ate a plate of lunch for £1.00! a tombola, a raffle, cakes were made for sale and more!!



At the end of the day, an amazing total of £197.60 was raised! These proceeds will go towards helping to find a cure, breast cancer care, or research programmes.



As for the historical lawyers pink ribbon, that will just continue to tie up briefs!!

A WORTHWHILE CASE.

Mesothelioma - meaning - "a malignant tumour of the lining of the chest or abdomen often caused by
asbestos dust".


Mr X had been employed by Islington Borough Council as a Clerk of Works. His job was to oversee the removal of asbestos from Council owned properties which he did for approximately 10 years. He then retired.


20 years later, he began to develop shortness of breath followed by a variety of other unpleasant symptoms that became increasingly more unpleasant and also painful

He had contracted MESOTHELIOMA

Sadly, he died 5 months later after diagnosis.


HIS WIFE AND FAMILY WERE DEVASTED...

Some months later after much discussion, his family decided to contact Peter Shah -Personal Injury Lawyer and Partner at ABD. They wanted to know whether they should sue because they were extremely unhappy with how and why Mr X had died. They felt that Islington Borough Council were to blame.


Peters job was to claim compensation for the loss of a loved one.


After a period of time, as a result of Peters hard work, an out of court settlement was finally reached with the Councils insurers. Mr X's family received £80,000 and Islington Borough Council admitted defeat.


Mr X's wife and family were extremely happy with the outcome that Peter had achieved for them and they felt that justice had been done.


A very worthwhile case.

TEAM EFFORT!

In aid of British Heart Foundation!


Many congratulations to Sharon Mann who ran the Swindon Half Marathon on Sunday 10th October 2010 in aid of British Heart Foundation


Sharon, who is based at ABD's Calne Office and is part of the Litigation Department, came 357th out of about 1513 who were running! It took her 1 hour 44 min's and 29 seconds (chip time)... very impressive! She was presented with a medal and T Shirt at the end of her challenging run.


Sharon has run a couple of half marathons before but never for charity like this one. So far with the kind help of her work colleagues, friends and family who have sponsored her, she has raised for charity approximately £120 with more money to come!!


Her training prior to the half marathon, involved long distance running with her husband during weekends and shorter maintenance runs during the week. This was just as well because the course was a tough one with a few hills!!


She is hoping to continue running more half marathons and possibly even a full marathon!


So, after having had some leg rest she is now back on the training and working out her next challenge!





Its the taking part that counts!
Sharon with her medal and T Shirt.






Well done Sharon!

BUSINESS COMES FIRST!

Devizes Chamber of Commerce gathered in the Bear Hotel, Devizes to enjoy their annual dinner on Friday 15 October 2010!

The dinner was attended by local business committee members including ABD Partner Roger Chadwick. Also in attendance was ABD Partner Andrew Douglas.

Guest Speaker for the evening was Claire Perry, Conservative MP for Devizes.




PROMOTING DEVIZES!

Roger Chadwick, Claire Perry MP and Andrew Douglas.
(From left to right)






Dinner was served in the Lambtons Restaurant where 40 or so people sat down to enjoy a delicious 3 course meal!

Richard Jaggs, Devizes Chamber of Commerce Committee Chairman gave a speech followed by guest speaker Claire Perry MP.

After a question and answer session the evening ended with coffee, chocs and carriages home!

AN UNUSUAL CASE

VILLAGE SOS!!
AS FEATURED ON BBC TV NEWS!!

ABD Partner Roger Chadwick acted in the sale of a special Inn!

The Honeystreet villagers were granted a big Lottery Fund Grant of £273,840 in order to preserve their local pub ."The Barge Inn Community Group" are the new tenants of the Barge Inn at Honeystreet.

Featured already on Local TV News and to be featured in a BBC ONE TV Documentary, the villagers have bought the 200 year old Inn.

The Barge Inn is located on the banks of the Kennet and Avon Canal and is the
headquarters of the crop circle fraternity - the hub of crop circle enthusiasts!!

For more info or to visit the Inn - log onto Barge Inn @ Honeystreet!

ABD BACK TO THE FUTURE GOLF DAY AT BOWOOD

HELP FOR HEROES


A GOOD CAUSE ON A GOOD COURSE!

Bacon butties, mug of coffee and a catchup were top of the order once registration had taken place!




Ready to Play!

Dan Beck, Paul Goodman, Guy Straker and Simon Holt.

(from left to right).






After a quick practise on the putting green and driving range - maybe even a quick lesson from Golf Pro Nick ... everyone got into their four balls! all together 6!

Practise makes perfect!?

Teeing Off began at 12.45pm ...




Tee off! Hole 1.

Richard Farrish, Barry Gingham, Philip O'Shea and Paul Goodman.
(from left to right)

The weather looked set for sunshine all afternoon as the four balls played the Course and entered various mini competitions in aid of the Help for Heroes Charity en route! Refreshments were on hand the half way house!

Back at the Clanmaurice Room the tables were set for an enjoyable evening!

After a long afternoon out on the Course the Groups came in after having enjoyed their game. Pre drinks were on hand at the bar after such thirsty work!

At 7pm everyone sat down to eat in the Clanmaurice Room after a little
left handed Putting Competition!

Andrew Fleming doing a left hander!

Finally after speeches and prize giving .....


Philip O'Shea - Stableford Winner and Best Gross Score.
Andrew Fleming - Stableford Runner Up.
Barry Gingham - Nearest the Pin.
Dan Beck - Putting Prize.
Paul Goodman - Most Birdies.

Philip OShea - Stableford Winner and Best Gross Score.

Holding the ABD Trophy!

.....it was carriages home!

WELL DONE EVERYBODY! All in a good Cause and on a good Course!!

VIPs in BATH!

A GREAT KICK OFF!!

Saturday morning ( 11.9.2010) "kicked off" with ABD Team Andrew Douglas, Alistair Everett , Roger Chadwick, Ronna Turley ,Kathryn Roker and Rebecca Vassie meeting their guests at the Bath Rugby Club to watch Bath Rugby Club v London Irish!

Tough Opposition!

London Irish v Bath Rugby Club

After congregating at the exclusive Illustrious Suite for a pre drinks from the bar, a Silver Service 3 Course Lunch was served!

Silver Service!
Rebecca Vassie and Ronna Turley with guests.
(left to right).

Afterwards, a Question and Answer Session took place with Guy Mercer (Back and Academy Captain) and Peter Short (Lock/Back Row) which everyone enjoyed very much!

The Line Up!
Partners Andrew Douglas, Alistair Everett and Roger Chadwick with Guy Mercer and Peter Short.

(right to left).

Just as soon as everyone had been directed to their seats at the 6x Stand, the game started!

Kick Off!

It was an exciting game with 2 tries, 1 red card and 1 yellow card!

Final Kick!

Final kick of the match ended with Ollie Barkley taking the score to a final 20 points to 13 making Bath top of the premiership rugby table.

Back at the Illustrious Suite, where the ABD Team and guests returned, tea cakes and sandwiches were served!

A winning end to the day!

WHAT A DAY.....

TEAM BUILDING FUN!

The PI Team once again enjoyed their annual barge trip "team building" get together on the Kennet and Avon Canal organised by Gillian Ephgrave from the Devizes Office.

Off we go!

ABD Partner Peter Shah pulling up Anchor!

The team consisting of 16 people took 2 barges and sailed from Hilperton Marina to Seend Cleeve where they moored up for an enjoyable and tasty lunch at the Barge Inn Pub!

A good lunch was had by ALL!

The Team!

Managing a barge is heavy work - 8 locks and 6 swing bridges had to be opened and closed en route whilst enjoying the wonderful hot sunny weather and fantastic scenery. The whole journey from start to finish took some 6 and a half hours! Thirsty work! Luckily there was plenty of drink on board!

Negotiating the locks?? Umm ... Tricky!!

Photo of ABD Partner Andrew Douglas

Team effort! A good job well done!
Pictured left to right; Karen Skull, Gillian Ephgrave,

Cheryl Bishop-Bailey, Andrew Douglas and Simon Lofthouse

Everybody agreed what a fantastic day they had had including Simon Lofthouse - ABD's newest recruit who dropped a wind-lass into a lock where it was lost forever!!! Never mind Simon - plenty more wind-lasses in the canal!!!

What a great day!

STEERING A DIFFERENT COURSE!



David Turley (left) Ian Richards (right)

The Partners and Staff held a "farewell party" in the Bear Hotel, Devizes for Commander Ian Richards who has been with the firm for 10 and a half years.

Ian, previously a Commander in the Royal Navy, joined the firm in November 1999 as a "Director of Legal Services". Ian has had many varied responsibilities in his role. Achievements included securing for the firm their Investors in People and Lexcel accreditations and, importantly, steering the business on a safe course through both benign and more troubled economic conditions.

The Bear Hotel which has been recently refurbished by Gordon Straker provided as always excellent food, drink and hospitality! Gifts and cards were presented, and speeches were made by Ken Welch and Partner Andrew Douglas. An enjoyable time was had by all!

The firm wishes Ian every success and happiness for the future!

WELCOME ON BOARD DAVID !

Newly appointed David Turley has taken over as Ian's Successor. He has enjoyed his new role since April 2010 following a very successful handover period! David was appointed internally from our Award winning HIPS Department which gave the firm the Law Society's "Innovation Business and Award "Accolade 2007! Welcome on board David!

For more information on The Bear Hotel, Devizes log on to http://www.thebearhotel.net/

ABD GOES DAB!

ABD goes DAB!
Digital Audio Broadcasting!!

ABD goes out live on the radio!
-Stay updated with our blog-

We have just launched our first radio ads!


Have a look at www.mygoldmusic.co.uk/

ABD Advertising!

Did you know that Heart is part of Global Radio?

To find out what we are doing next listen to your local Radio Station and stay updated with our blog!



~ Listen to Heart!~

or why not look at www.heart.co.uk/wiltshire

MARLBOROUGH JAZZ FESTIVAL WEEKEND 9-10-11 JULY 2010

In the words of the Sunday Telegraph, "each year the exquisite market town of Marlborough becomes a mini New Orleans."

"Normally we play in a place and clear off, but at Marlborough we meet old and new friends year by year" Chris Jagger

The 2010 Jazz Festival got off to a great start with ABD being one of the main Sponsors hosting different events over the weekend!






Friday 9 July 2010

Solicitors Alex, Wayne and Tom (Trainee) got together with associates to enjoy a night of beers, music and food starting off at the Castle and Ball Hotel where Claire Perry MP "opened" the Festival in the presence of the Mayor of Marlborough, Councillor Andrew Ross. Later, at the ABD Priory Marquee, Chris Jagger , (Mick Jagger's brother) and his band The Atcha Band quintet were playing to a big audience where the boys enjoyed a beer followed by a bite to eat at the Gourmet hot dog stand. After continuing their "sophisticated pub-crawl" the boys ended their musical sojourn by listening to The Red Stripe Band back in the ABD Priory Marquee along with a full house audience - a fantastic way to end the eve!





Friday 9 July 2010







Saturday 10 July

The Partners of ABD hosted a 2 course lunch in Coles Bar Restaurant for 28 guests whilst listening to The Midwest Four quartet! Guests were then escorted by invitation to the ABD Priory Marquee to listen to The Jive Aces - UK'S No 1 Jive and Swing Band - one of the hottest bands in showbiz. Partners Andrew Douglas, Alistair Everett and Roger Chadwick had their photo taken with The Jive Aces! The ABD Priory Marquee had more than 900 people in attendance! The music continued with Paddy Milner and the Big Sounds, ending with Robin Jones and King Salsa led by legendary conguero Robin Jones!




Saturday 10 July


Andrew Douglas with Mayor of Calne Councillor Helen Plenty
and Consort Kevin Plenty




Sunday 11 July 2010

The Partners of ABD hosted a buffet style lunch at the Castle and Ball for approx 50 guests including the Mayor of Devizes - Councillor Peter Smith and the Mayor of Wootton Bassett -Councillor Mary Champion. Lunch included an enormous paella -a major attraction! Afterwards, guests were hosted to the ABD Priory Marquee to enjoy listening to one of the main highlights of the Festival and direct from the West End, one of the worlds most celebrated Jazz Stars Mr Buddy Greco and his band The Buddy Greco Trio with Miss Lezlie Anders! Buddy Greco is a survivor of Hollywoods famous "Rat pack"! Partners Andrew Douglas and Alistair Everett were photoed with Buddy Grecco after! What a marvellous way to end such a great weekend at the UK's largest and most celebrated Jazz Festivals 2010!





Sunday 11 July 2010
Major attraction!







Partners Andrew Douglas and Alistair Everett with Mayor of Devizes Councillor Peter Smith and Mayor of Wootton Bassett Councillor Mary Champion







Grand Finale! Partners Andrew Douglas and Alistair Everett with the Legendary Mr Buddy Greco!


http://www.marlboroughjazz.co.uk

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