GÆIA founder Brigid Benson talking at the open evening

Visitors enjoyed Fairtrade/organic wine, locally sourced bread and cheese and other food.

Local guest speakers gave short talks including information o­n our eco refit.

o New flat roof
o Rooflights giving more natural light and reducing electricity consumption
o Eco paints used throughout Farrow & Ball, Fired Earth and Dulux Ecosense
o Natural Sisal carpet made in South Africa from Authentic Natural Flooring Co. based in Heaton Chapel

We did not count the number of visitors but office looked pleasantly full, many staying longer than planned, for whole evening. There was much, positive even enthusiastic feedback. Most visitors did not realize how much eco refit could be done in a regular office or home. Many seemed to learn more about us and our work and liked the new sprucer look.

Music
The performing musicians and Tayo Aluko [ http://www.tayoalukoandfriends.com/tayo ] really gave the proceedings the 'edge' and everyone thought they were unique and brilliant. See the video + here + Tayo singing.
 It created a warm friendly atmosphere, which encouraged people to mix and made the speeches more engaging. Everyone seemed to enjoy each other's company too.

Politicians
Unfortunately no local MPs came since it was a 'Parliamentary Sitting Day' and it is a shame that none of the local councillors managed to attend.

Feedback
Just a short note, to say - 'Thank You' for last night's fantastic event, as very enjoyable & really appreciated.

The: entertainment, atmosphere, food & drinks, speeches etc were all just wonderful and I was educated in various different ways, which is fab!

Do please, please keep up the FAB work! I look forward to meeting you all again in due course. Have a lovely weekend. With many kind regards - Stephen Bell

Just to say how well the evening went last night and how much I enjoyed it – particularly the musicians and the descriptions of the investment opportunities.Thanks so much to you and  everyone from Gaeia who organised it and it was a great way of celebrating that this is the 21^st anniversary of your work in ethical investment.

I was interested in both the investments discussed at the meeting last night – particularly the South African housing scheme.
John [existing GAEIA client]

Thanks
Thanks to everyone who came and made the evening so positive.
Thanks also to all GAEIA members: Peter for mucking in, Lisa, Shena, Helen and Caroline. Thanks also to friend, Geli, who not o­nly helped organize the music but also kindly jumped in to help with the food when Caroline was rushed off her feet. Thanks to Caroline, Shena and Helen who did a fantastic job of clearing up this morning.

BBC Manchester
Brigid has been invited to speak o­n BBC Manchester business program o­n Monday 5th July at 6.10pm as our South African business theme ties in neatly with the World Cup.