While we hold the bragging rights for being the longest running and largest business network group in Shropshire, we're pretty confident that we're the most socially active too!

The highlight at the end of every successful year of networking together is always the annual Christmas bash! And every year we strive to exceed the last. 2018 is no exception to that rule. Our group nominated charity is the Midland Air Ambulance - a vital service we could all require at any moment and one which continues to provide rapid and life saving help right across the region. Each flight costs around £3000 and we set out to raise funds to 'save a life' in this respect through a premium raffle draw. 

With the help of kind donations from Harvey's, Shrewsbury Town Football Club, Shrewsbury Golf Club, Tanners and Jane Wilde Catering, tickets were snapped up by beautiful people from all over the county.

We are thrilled to announce that ticket sales exceeded expectations and we actually raised over £4500!! Severn Business Network bolstered this to the tune of £1500 to bring the total to £6000! Thanks to everyone involved, we've raised funds enough to save two lives.

The draw took place at the Morris Hall on Saturday, 8th December and we pleased to announce the following winners:

• Harvey's 3 Course Meal - David Hill - Ticket No. 0558
• Signed Shrewsbury Town Shirt and Ball - Robert King - Ticket No. 0406
• VIP tickets Sovereign Suite Shrewsbury Town FC - Mari Ryan - Ticket No. 0425
• Golf Day for 4 at Shrewsbury Golf Club - Julie Copeland - Ticket No. 0876
• £200 Cash - Asaf Iqbal - Ticket No. 0770
• Magnum Bottle of Wine from Tanners - C. Jenkins - Ticket No. 0230
• Three Course Catered Dinner Party for 8 from Jane Wilde Catering - R. Sparks - Ticket No. 0568

And the draw got the whole party started! Full catering via our very own Jane Wilde was accompanied by Rob the magician who also performed a varied acoustic set during dinner. With superb bar facilities from Tipples, the drink was flowing and a well kept secret act was about to be unveiled!! 

For the past couple of years, group member Graham Chidley performed his fantastic solo Freddy Mercury tribute act and after the last show, where a few of us got involved with the act, we wondered what we could do to go one better! 

One year later, and following months of planning, prep (oh, and learning instruments and songs!) - six group members walked out on stage to perform a high tempo, loud and fun ACDC-esque rock set. The newly formed SBN band (currently nameless!) of Graham Chidley, Ben Calder and partner Jayne, Pete Savage, Jase 'the bass' King, Emily 'sticks' Challenor and Andy Lawrence thoroughly enjoyed the evening, despite plenty of nerves beforehand, and plan to continue onwards and play more live events in 2019! Watch this space…

So that wraps up another fantastic year for SBN and its members. We thank everyone who has helped us throughout the year and especially those involved in our fund raiser this Christmas. We wish you all a prosperous New Year!