With my other hat on

What do members of the Allendale team do when they’re not at the Allendale? In this edition, Customer Relations Manager Sue Barber reveals hats she’s worn and wears now.

“Dorset born and bred – I grew up in Wimborne and come from a family who have lived in Dorset for generations. I started my working career at the then-recently built Barclays International in Poole. I wanted to be part of everything that was going on, so joined numerous activities and societies organised by the bank and enjoyed league mixed hockey, ladies’ five-a-side football and go-karting; with the latter I was lucky enough to be selected to take part in an event run by Cadburys at Brands Hatch, where I raced against Nigel Mansell. Suffice to say I came well down the field!

“In my late forties, age was taking its toll on my sporting activities, so I turned to another passion - rock music. Having been to many live gigs and with a network of interesting friends and acquaintances, it wasn’t long before I was turning my hand to something else in my spare time - managing a local rock covers band, Gasoline Alley. There I was, marketing this group of youngsters and trawling round the pubs, clubs and other venues at weekends, until the early hours. Some may think I was mad, but it was great fun and I met some very interesting people!

“Another passion of mine is travel and, as a qualified scuba diver, experiencing the underwater sea life of various countries I’ve visited over the years; the most amazing experience being when I swam with giant Manta rays in the Maldives.

“I’ve been at the Allendale for a year now and love the buzz and business of the Centre with the variety of activities and events that we run here. I’m part of a wonderful team of enthusiastic people with many different life experiences, so I’m learning something new every day!”

Project yourself

(or just about anything else…)

By Gary Cox Need to present your idea or talk to a gathered audience, or have a remote speaker deliver a lecture to the room? Allow us to help you.

We have high quality projector, screen and PA systems in the Minster Hall and Quarter Jack Hall. In both spaces, the screen is viewable even from the back of the room and amplified audio, through ceiling speakers, can be clearly heard wherever your audience members sit. You can show still images or video, with/ without audio, or stream talks from a remote lecturer. Both rooms have curtains and variable lighting for superb image clarity and as for capacities, the Minster Hall can seat 260 - 300 and the Quarter Jack Hall up to 100.

In addition, a small, portable projector is available in the Canford Room or Julian Room, quite adequate for smaller live talks and presentations.

Discover more at www. theallendale.org/audio-visualsystems and please get in touch with us at the Allendale to book.