On the 7th Oct 2010 I went to ' an evening with Clive Gott ' at The Light in Bradford .. a fantastic and newly refurbished community facility very near Bradford Cathedral. The event was to support a project run by Inns Churches that helps the homeless get off the streets, provides shelter and opportunity. Its run by a lady called Juli Thompson and a team of volunteers. They need your support if you are able.

I didn't know really what to expect, but they showed this video and it tells the whole story and the importance of the work that Inns Churches does.. It has made me think quite a bit about how lucky I am to have a roof over my head and the fact that I have choices available me. I was impressed by the spirt and good will of others.

Clive Gott was on for about one and half hours and talked very enthusiastically about his challenges, choices and adventures. It was both an enjoyable and rewarding night and he made me think even harder .. particuarly on the importance of values and people that have a positive impact on me and my family. If you've not seen Clive in action then to find out more take a look at his website www.clivegott.com. It's also worth signing up to Clive's blog http://blog.clivegott.com/ and really enjoyed reading one of Clive's books How to Take life by the Throat.

Starling provided the music, a talented young band, that played a good few songs that I thought was just great - they did the music for the video 'How do you change'.

There was also something a bit spooky about being in Bradford. Its my hometown. I was already in a reflective mood that day so made it ven more a place to think about the past and reflect on what you've achieved so far.

The evening did inspire in lots of positive dimension. It made me think about my values and also to reassert that its ok to help someone else in what ever way you can. 

I was at another event on the 11th Oct in Leeds with the IOD and Young Directors. We host the Meet up Mondays event and afterwards there was an awards ceremony to highlight the achievement of the IOD Directtors Development Programme.

On my way home in the train station I was stopped by someone who said I had a kind face and wouldn't look down on him. He was homeless. I know your told not to talk with strangers, but it seemed like the right thing to do given being at The Light a few nights previously. I listened .. He talked about a new place and start he was getting tomorrow. He talked about what he was going to do. I guess an address combined with the right attitude and opportunity can make a difference. A new start. To repeat a phrase I learned from Clive 'its about you and your choice' .. I sincerely wish Terry well. 

Left to Right; Keith Arkle Sage UK, Simon Riley Yorkshire Forward, Johnny Abraham Barclays, Iain Brown Busines Link, Andrew Chapman Consoltis, Andy McMenemy 2Inspire, John Holroyd Mazars