Helen Joins Forces at our Penrith Office

When I heard on the grapevine that David Allen & Co Chartered Accountants were opening a new office in Penrith I was really keen to be involved.

I originated from Penrith and went to Penrith Queen Elizabeth Grammar School. From there I went to be an Accounting Assistant with Dodd & Co Chartered Accountants and also took up other posts in Accounts including at Story Construction before joining Armstrong Watson Chartered Accountants at Kendal and latterly at their Rosehill office.

I was not always in accountancy. I have also been in the Army, undertaking basic training at Guilford then on for further training at Worthy Down in Hampshire before active duty in Germany, Bosnia and Northern Ireland, returning to Cambridge for my final service. On my tour of Bosnia I was attached to the United Nations peace keeping force. I was presented with two medals whilst in the forces, one for my time served in Northern Ireland and the other medal for the time I spent in Bosnia. I was invited to meet the Queen in respect of my service in Bosnia being one of the first women soldiers to be on this tour.

Now back in Penrith with my 2 children, I am excited to be part of the growing David Allen & Co team. The office at Penrith 40 Business Park is fantastic and with our signs up on the outside of the building now, everyone who goes past, can see exactly where we are. I have had lots of people in Penrith ask me about the firm and the feedback and response we have had is brilliant.

I am looking forward to my future with David Allen & Co

Helen Taylor

David Allen & Co Spice Up Rugby Testimonial Dinner

On Friday 27th March a group of us attended Sale rugby player Steven Hanley's Testimonial Dinner at the Shepherds Inn.

The evening started with a drinks reception then everyone took their seats for the 5 course meal (which was very tasty). Leanne managed 3 deserts and nearly got away with it but dropped cream down the front of her dress while having her photo taken.

The comedian kicked off the night and targeted our table as it was mainly female, calling us Liberty X and the Spice Girls!

Following that there were some interesting speeches from Jason Leonard, English and
British Lions prop and part of the England rugby world cup team who won back in 2003. Mervin Davies also gave a fascinating talk on his life in rugby.

There was then an auction and a raffle with some interesting prizes up for grabs and to close the evening everyone retired to the bar and enjoyed a few more drinks.

The Spice Girls including Graeme and Iain had a great night.

Sam Harrison

The Institute of Civil Engineers Annual Awards

On Friday 27 March David, Alison, Sandra, Jonathan, Melissa Kevin and myself along with Richard Miller from Burnett's Solicitors and Melissa's parents John and Jill Heath went to the annual Institute of Civil Engineers Awards at Rheged.

We were greeted with a free glass of wine on arrival and as we were standing next to the drinks table we managed to steal a couple of extra glasses.

We were captured by the photographers from Carlisle Living magazine who caught us before we were called to be seated. They seem to be every where these days!

We then enjoyed an excellent 3 course meal and even I was full after the meal which is a rare
occurrence.

The night was finished with the speeches with the guest speaker being a former coal miner from the North East. With each award we were given a description regarding the different projects involved which was interesting.

A good night was had by all.
Mark James

Sarah's Presentation

On Saturday Sarah Huntington and I attended a ceremony at the University of Newcastle which was held by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. This was for Sarah and all other students who had qualified as Chartered Accountants in the 2008 examinations and also for prize winners.

The day started with the train journey, which was fine until we came to an abrupt holt short of Newcastle Metro Centre and were told there was a technical fault with the train. The image of being stuck on the train soon filled both of our minds. Luckily after a short ten minute delay we were on our way again.

All students and guests met at the Courtyard Restaurant of the University where we were served tea, coffee and refreshments. Guests were then lead away to the hall for the presentation while Sarah and the rest of the students were lined up in alphabetical order for their entrance in to the ceremony.

Keith Proudfoot, Northern Regional Director, explained the exam structure and introduced each of the students who were called onto the stage and presented with a Certificate by Jim Summers, President of the Northern Society of Chartered Accountants, Mike Ranson, Deputy President of the Northern Society of Chartered Accountants and Ian Brown, a local entrepreneur.

Following the presentation there was a speech by Ian Brown, a board member of One North East, politician, multiple business owner and successful entrepreneur.

After the ceremony Sarah and the rest of the students were led out to the courtyard for some group photographs and then it was back to the Courtyard Restaurant where we were treated to a nice glass of bubbly to celebrate the student’s success and an opportunity to meet other students and Institute members.

The day went really well and was a great opportunity to recognise the success of the students.

Alison Cartner

The Cow Punchers Ball

David Allen & Co attended the Road Haulage Association 60th Annual Cow Punchers Ball at the Shepherds Inn Carlisle on Friday 6 March 2009. The table of 10 consisted of staff and clients including myself.

The evening started at 7.15 pm for pre-Dinner drinks and we were then asked to take our seats at 7.45pm for our five course meal. This consisted of soup or melon sorbet, roast beef and all the trimmings, a selection of puddings, cheese and biscuits followed by coffee and this was all very tasty.

After our meal there were a couple of guest speakers from the RHA with entertainment by a local comedian, Richard Escombe and a disco where a few of us attempted to do some traditional ballroom dancing. There was a short interval when two local auctioneers known as “Ant and Dec” (Anthony Skelton and John Wharton) held an auction selling various items. All the money raised was for The Great North Air Ambulance. Once the auction had concluded there was then a raffle where Michael won an arrangement of bedding plants which has saved him buying a mother’s day present!

Following the auction and raffle we were joined by some very welcome ‘gate crashers’ and the evening and disco continued into the early hours of Saturday morning.

A very good evening was had by all and over £3,500 was raised for charity which is fantastic.
Emma Pigg