Hello ,
Greetings from Spain, where I have just arrived.
Regular readers will know we have a sister company in Malaga, supplying the Spanish and Portuguese markets.
It's always nice to be here in the sun and catch up with Carlos the MD here.
Last week I was telling you about the new stock arrivals from Kathmandu, Nepal.. You can read about it here.
So last week I was busy in the UK, encouraging all the team there to keep on doing their best.. it's what they are good at.
And it's all go, James and the goods out team are working all hours to your orders in boxes and get them shipped.
Fun fact about our hero James, he is studding to be a helicopter pilot - Last Friday I had a pint with him after work, a chance to thank him for his dedication, he is a hard working young guy. His dream is to get his wings and one day be a commercial pilot.. So he will work any overtime he can - to help AW customers get their stuff - but also to fund those flying lessons.. After working 10 hour days.. guess what he is doing this weekend? .. Not flying but heading up the weekend shift at AW. Superstar!
I arrived in La Cala de Mijas, a small town between Fuengirola and Marbella (which is my home town in Spain) wearing my poppy, with pride. Whilst all of the UK, is a field of poppies, here is hardly seen.
So I had to explain to my Spanish friend that this year is extra special, it's a 100th year since the First World War ended. And by a strange and wonderful chance the 11th of the 11th, this year is actually on a Sunday.
Armistice Day is on 11 November and is also known as Remembrance Day. It marks the day World War One ended, at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month, in 1918.. 100 years ago.
And while all those poppies are lovely and the works of art are amazing. Remember, to remember that needless thousands of people died fighting for... oh yes, do you actually know? Remind me..
I know one thing, we never want to go backwards to a time when the peoples of Europe could actually be killing each other.
Last night I had dinner with Carlos in a cosy local restaurant with Spanish, Dutch, Italians, English and Germans - all eating together - all happy and friendly. We take for granted we can do that.
On a more cheerful note.. we are having a Fizzing Weekend.. details below.
Also remember that Black Friday is coming soon, are you ready to take advantage of this mega trading day? Lot's of offers and deals specially for Black Friday.
OMG.. It's all go! Our customer service team are doing their level best to cope, and with tragic timing Ula, head of CS has had to undergo some emergency surgery and been laid low. But the true hero she is she has been answering emails from her bed.
The rest of the team have stepped up the pace and the hours, and we are supporting them the best we can, please bear with us.. last week we was on top of the job, but this weekends orders were beyond our capacity, so back to catch up mode.
I know you are also very busy so this weeks news is brief.
I want to thank everyone who is still sending ideas for the next big thing (in gifts).. it's great you care! Keep them coming..
Have peaceful weekend if you can.
David
