Free Phone Calls for Forum Members

24 Forum members had a wonderful trip to the Merrill Lynch offices in the City to take advantage of their generous offer of free phone calls anywhere in the world for up to 30 minutes per person, on Sunday December 12th 2004.

We were greeted by friendly faces and treated like royalty

Merrill Lynch visit

from the moment we entered the building until we were waved off on our luxury coach. The staff were so delightful and catered for all our needs at all times. A welcome drink and biscuits were followed by the calls themselves.

A good time was had by all

Forum members called a variety of countries including India, Cyprus, Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Guyana and USA. Some members experienced "conference calling" for the first time, where you can all talk at the same time as your relative’s voice comes over on a loudspeaker, making it more like a typical conversation and enabling all parties to hear one another at the same time. After the calls a lovely meal was provided with salmon, pasta, vegetables, lamb, vegan options and lovely puddings (and plenty of sherry and other beverages!) Father Christmas was waiting in the foyer to give out a goodie bag to all members, which contained a large selection of Christmas foods such as cake, coffee, tea, preserves, tipples of port and Baileys and much more. Our friendly coach driver made sure that we travelled safely and it was altogether a magical experience which I know made all concerned very happy to be a part of the Forum and its purpose. Thank you to all who came for being such fun and I look forward to the next time!!

Olivia Goodfellow