As we approach the end of the year and a chance to have a few days off with family and friends I am just taking a few moments to have a quick look ahead at the first week of the New Year. At the start of this New Year I was preparing to go off and do some more of my BBC radio shows but for 2013 my first week is all about my hypnotherapy practice.

As the practice has grown I have been able to get more and more out of the satisfaction that I get from working with clients and seeing the changes that they make. It's all about them and the work they do. I can't make anyone do anything they don't want but those who really want to see a change can see it in just a few weeks. 

So, I am back with clients on the 2nd January and then it is all systems go !

My first speaking engagement of the year is for the WI Lite group in Stratford upon Avon on the 8th January. I love speaking to groups about all the different things that I do and so I am very pleased that my first talk is so near the start of the year. It is a really good way to get fired up and positive about what the year ahead holds.

The talk takes place in Stratford at the Falcon Hotel so a lovely venue and I can't wait !

Here are all the details... Talks at the WI Lite in Stratford upon Avon

Recently I went off to help in a school that I sometimes assist with recording. As someone who knows just a little about how to record and edit audio after quite a few years at the BBC I also have a few bits of kit that mean I am often in demand!

I used to do quite a bit of teaching and workshops with Drama in schools so I really enjoy getting back in there and working with young people.

Last Christmas we did a full CD of the whole school singing Christmas songs and on this occasion I was recording Titanic diary stories that the children had written and were reading out for posterity.

I have to admit that there were times during the recording of over 40 children that I started to wonder how long it would take ! It was quite a big task but each new voice and personality made me smile and the effort they had put in was inspirational. I was so impressed by the writing and the descriptive skills of these children. Their imaginations really brought to life scenes from the Titanic.

After a fair bit of editing I was able to deliver the audio back to the school and then I received a lovely card.

 There is nothing nicer than the moment you open a card and see that everyone has taken the trouble to sign it and write messages.

    I can't wait for the next thing we record now !