Remembering the fun work curry nights we had and the after drinks, wish I had more photos of these nights 💓
Always fun to be around and make you smile
Chatting at one of the many parties
"Revising"
Lost and late on our way for birthday meal
Whenever I drink bubbles Jo will be there - I can count on one hand the times we did not have champagne or prosecco. No excuse was really needed to celebrate. I am grateful that we shared so many moments and were within one another's inner circles.
Jo & I were the same when it came to reading - no matter where we were or what adventures we were involved in we would both find time to quietly escape into a book. I never had to explain, we just gave one another space for other worlds.
A women's weekend in August 2019 for Secret Cinema's 'Casino Royale'. Tessa, Lynne & Louise joined us for a glam night on the red carpet within an interactive theatre setting. Unknowingly this was our last in person connection. Quintessentially special.
At Starting Over in Puerto Vallarta Mexico in November 2018 Jo connected meaningfully with other women through shared workshops. Jo used this long weekend as a chance to deeply consider who and what she truly valued. It was a privilege to be with her.
Our motivation for Mexico in November 2018 was to attend the 'Starting Over Retreat' facilitated by Bonnie Muenz. Held in Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific Coast. We made the most of pampering offered by the hotel - spa treatments and great food on the beach
In November 2018 on holiday in Mexico City we went on a food tour as it is a wonderful way to connect with the culture and people of the local area. Jo relished the chance to try fried grasshoppers which Mexican's eat like pop corn!
Our biggest adventure together was our week in Mexico in November 2018. We both fell in love with Mexico city - food, history, architecture, art and people.
When there was silly fun to be had Jo was always a YES. Tessa instigated the Wye Float in Hereford in August 2018. Louise & Tracy joined us. We each invested in a suitable inflatable - Jo got a toucan with matching eye wear. Floating is quite a workout!
In June 2018 Jo stayed with Gareth & me to appreciate time together. We visited Chartwell to learn about Churchill's life and went to Greenwich for brunch. As always we talked a whole lot of palaver as well as diving in deep.
The last time Jo made it to one of my festive celebrations was in 2017. We had a Bond theme as we were commemorating Judy Dench's birthday and she dressed as Pussy Galore. A wonderful chance to catch up with our adventuring friends - Tessa, Lynne & Tracy.
When I made the decision to start my own coaching business Jo was a huge support, believing in me even when I struggled with doubts. Her & Nicola travelled to London for my launch event in April 2017. Jo was interested in Phenomenal Women & mBraining.
I loved when I was able to share a new experience with Jo, even in her own back yard. In September 2016 on a Midlands weekend we explored the caves under Nottingham's town centre! Quite the senior moment ;-)
August 2016 we met in the Peak District to celebrate Nicola's 40th with a 70s theme. Tracy joined us as we went to a local pub on Friday evening and joined in the village quiz. We won with full points, followed by winning the first two prizes for bingo!
Another immediate YES was when we decided to go to the opening of Carnivale in Venice in January 2016! As well as a food tour of this ancient city we decided to have a gondola ride in between water based parades and meandering the different districts.
Tessa & I used to have an annual camping trip each September ... in 2015 Jo brought Louise as we were going to do ziplining & trampolining in caves in North Wales! Here we are on the Sunday having a full cooked breakfast!
When Gareth & I had our 'not wedding' celebrating our love for one another as evidenced by our joint mortgage in August 2015 Jo hunted high & low for a dress that tied in with our 'Leather & Willow' theme. She was very proud of her cow print discovery!
Invited to a posh evening of High Society at the Old Vic in June 2015, Jo immediately said 'Yes'! Starting with a lovely meal at a Michelin starred Polish restaurant. At the theatre I was awed at how many champagne glasses Jo could hold in one hand!
Another festive visit in December 2012 to London, this time getting 1920s glammed up for Candlelight Club!
In January 2014 we fulfilled life long dreams by going with Tessa to Swedish Lapland for a surreal week of adventures - sleigh rides, ice fishing, snow shoeing, ice hotel, dog sledding, ski mobiling, moose, reindeer, fires and saunas!
July 2013, first time Jo & I had a weekend away ourselves - we met in Manchester for culinary delights, theatre (Macbeth with Kenneth Branagh) and museums. Jo booked us at this Michelin starred restaurant where we proudly ate very expensive steak & chips
Jo was fabulous with kids - whether her nieces & nephews, her godchildren or her friends kids. When I visited in May 2013 we had a lovely couple of hours with Iain and his daughter, Molly ... playing chase in the garden, reading stories and enjoying tea.
Our trip to Rome in 2009
My hen do in 2011
Chelsea Flower Show 2019
Jo enjoyed a festive weekend in London with me. In 2012 we went with Samir to the Prohibition Christmas Ball at Battersea Power Station. There was circus performers, jazz musicians, casino and dancing ... and litres of bubbles!
Jo was a generous host. I frequently stayed with her when there was a Razzell function or a theatre thing or I was popping up to Yorkshire to see family. Here we are celebrating August birthdays (2012) at Nic's in West Bridgford
I loved how Jo would make it work when there was something she wanted to do - in Aug 2012 coming to London mid-week to join Tessa & I at a Lost Lectures where we had to sit on inflated life rings in a warehouse and listen to people share their adventures
As part of the week for Jo's houseparty in 2012 we also had a surprise celebration dinner for Paul & Becky who were both trying to pretend they were not turning 40 that year too ;-)
In June 2012 to celebrate her 40th birthday Jo invited a group of her loved ones to a holiday in Devon. Iain (TLI) insisted that her and Nic do their workout for the week by learning to body board!
In May 2012 Jo & Nic joined 11 of my other friends in supporting me to do the London-Brighton Night Ride to raise money for the British Heart Foundation following the success of my 2nd open heart surgery. Jo stuck with me inch by inch ensuring I made it
In April 2012 we came together in Nottingham to celebrate Bill's 55th birthday - a lot of raucous behaviour followed - including breakdancing!
Was an absolute joy to celebrate the Razzell's wedding with so many loved ones in October 2011.
In August 2011 we did NOT celebrate my 40th with a weekend based at mine in London (now in Wandsworth). We did many of my favourite things ... Portbello Markets, boat down to Greenwich, open air theatre in Regents Park, cycling and high tea in Victoria.
Our second weekend away was in June 2010 and we welcomed Tessa to our adventures together. We decided to stay in the UK and found a cottage in Ambleside in the Lake District. We ate, mooched, rambled, played cards, drank and talked about everything.
I have a festive party every year. The first one Jo came to was in 2009 when I was living in East Putney, London. She and Nicola would make a weekend of there time together in the big smoke.
Our first weekend away together was with Nicola and Tracy in Madrid in June 2009. We walked miles, ate fabulous foods, admired architecture, history and art. We people watched and drank litres of Spanish wine.
As a mapgie who collected quality that reflected her taste for a wonderful life - Jo was completely open to trying on jewellery at a party at Nicola's in January 2008
I first met Jo in June 2007 when Nicola invited her to join us for Go Ape in Sherwood Forest. We clicked immediately and a beautiful friendship was born!
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