Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for 2010!

Hello Everyone
This year has been a year to seize opportunities! The recession and its impact on the car industry meant that I’ve had the opportunity to take more leave (unpaid) than I ever dreamt of! So I went travelling – I been to Holland, Thailand, Nepal, The Maldives and Turkey this year oh and Japan for three weeks to build the new Hybrid Auris. Toyota is still very busy – I’m now looking after New projects. In between trips I’m playing Queen Hyacinth in Jack and the Beanstalk – Opening night last night was great fun - 5 performances to go! I get to climb the beanstalk every night! I finally completed my application to be a Chartered Engineer this year – it was accepted so I am now CEngMIMechE!

Queen Hyacinth!

Mum and Dad
Mum and Dad are loving living in Deddington just around the corner from Anne, Tony, Phoebe and Francesca. Mum’s being kept busy catering for the grandchildren and their friends who pop in for food – Dad’s online!

Travels
February March and April were amazing I started with a week in the Maldives a week of blissful relaxation snorkelling and sleeping under the stars.  At the end of February I went to Thailand - island hopping – we stayed in some of the most beautiful places -this sunrise picture from my balcony on Ko Hai just sums it up.

In April I spent 2 weeks in Nepal and had an exhausting but great time! I think the Chitwan National Park was the best bit, elephant rides and close encounters with a rhino!

I went to see Emma and Jan in Holland in May and spent a week on a boat in Turkey in August – more sun and sleeping under the stars!  I’ve just got back from three weeks in Japan – it was mostly work but I did manage to visit a Sake Brewery and sample this seasons Sake.

South Hampstead High Reunion 30years on!
In July we had the most wonedrful party to celebrate 30 years since leaving school it was great fun and lovely to catch up with everybody.

Fund Raising

Many of you helped with my fund raising for Cancer Research UK – I raised £350 this year running in Derby and Castle Donnington so thank you all for your support! Sally and I also held a shopping evening at my house and raised £150 for MacMillan.

Other bits of news
Minnie, Gnasher and Scraggly cat are well though Scraggly gave me a scare a few months ago - he’s better now and not bad for 18yrs old!

Thank you for all your cards and news I do enjoy catching up with what’s going on.

Keep in touch love Siân x