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| Eleanor Dubédat 
Barns Bulletin #1: September
A monthly roundup of Freestyling.
It’s December and the year is set to be wrapping up nicely! We’ve been looking back on our 2019 highlights and already can’t wait to get started on some exciting new projects in the new year. But for now, here's what we’ve been up to this month…
Young Tech Talent 🥇
We were beyond proud to announce that our Insights Manager and general superstar, Becki, won joint first place in the Young Tech Talent Awards 2019 at the West Midlands Tech Awards in Birmingham.
You can read all about Becki’s entry here, but let’s just say, it’s not short of impressive!
Gin Masterclass
The Client Services team were joined by a few of our lovely clients for an afternoon of Gin making at the Shakespeare Distillery in Stratford-upon-Avon. It’s always enjoyable to spend time with clients outside of normal work settings - plus, it’s always 5 o’clock somewhere… so cheers to that! 🍸
Anxiety Roundtable
Our second roundtable session took place around the topic of Anxiety. The hour long discussion was insightful and allowed everyone who took part to share their thoughts and tips on anxiety in the workplace and how it can affect us.
We feel very fortunate to work in an environment where we are able to open-up and articulate our feelings on a topic which can seem taboo or ill-informed, in corporate settings and beyond. Along with our newly appointed Mental Health First Aider (Perry!), we’re proud to encourage an open and supportive studio here at Freestyle!
Reverse Advent Calendar 🎁
This year, we decided to ditch Secret Santa and take part in a local charity initiative instead. We chose to support LWS Night Shelter, a shelter set up four years ago to help the homeless and vulnerably housed people in Leamington and the surrounding area.
By participating in their Reverse Advent Calendar campaign (where you donate an item a day instead of receiving one), we collected an impressive 11 boxes full of useful items which are handed out to those in need over the Christmas period.
We’ve really enjoyed supporting such a worthy cause as a team and hope to do more of this in the future!
If you want to learn more, check out LWS Night Shelter.
The Freestyle Christmas Party 🎄
The infamous Christmas Party took place at the Orchards Cookery School this year, and to say that we had a blast is definitely an understatement…Sporting our Christmas jumpers (on Christmas jumper day), we headed over to the kitchen to cook not one, but SIX delicious courses helped by the very patient staff.
Our fancy quail egg canapés, mushroom risottos and chocolate meringue roulades were swiftly followed by an open bar and disco ball dance-floor, where we danced the night away 🕺🎉 It was an amazing way to spend time together as a team.
Goodbye Sarah 😢
In December, we also said farewell to our Finance Manager, Sarah, who’s been with us for an incredible 14 years! We will miss you loads but wish you all the best of luck in your new chapter, Sarah! ⭐️
Tonic 05
2020 is just around the corner and we’ve already been busy planning for our 5th Tonic event. Join us on the 23rd of January in Birmingham, to talk about humanising the digital experience for customers. Speakers include: Monzo Bank, Babylon Health and HM Passport office.
Head over here to check out the exciting line-up and secure your tickets!
December Insta Highlights
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