From Watching to Wearing a Crown!
My apologies for the time between blogs from London, however, we have been on an adventure with little time to write...as you will soon discover! This evening, I will fill you in on the second half of our day to remember in London...but before I do, "Happy Mother's Day!" to my mom, my sister, my friends, and all the wonderful mothers out there!
Now, if you read the second blog from London, you know that we had an experience of a lifetime and saw Queen Elizabeth II as she rode in her carriage back to Buckingham Palace after opening Parliament. She was wearing a beautiful crown, which was a thrill to see...but less than two hours later I was excited to place my own crown on my head for an official tour of the new Children's Burn Unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.
We were scheduled to meet Sharon Aylott, Play Specialist with the children's burn unit at 2:00pm. Even after our royal surprise, we still managed to get changed, in a taxi, and arrived in hospital lobby a few minutes early. Sharon was absolutely lovely and so generous to give us a complete tour of the burn unit. She invited us into a meeting space for a cup of tea and an opportunity to discuss the burn community in London. As we were meeting, Dr. Lisa Williams, Clinical Psychologist, joined our group and we were able to discuss the burn support program, as well as, other issues related to the broader burn communities in the UK and USA. I sincerely appreciated both of their time and that of the other staff members who made our tour a meaningful exchange. And, little Demi...who tried on my crown for her mommy's camera and shared a moment with me.
Once we returned to the Lanesborough, I could not pass up the opportunity for a proper afternoon tea. So, here is a picture of my tea with the most amazing finger sandwiches and sweets you can imagine!
My next scheduled meeting was to take place at our hotel with a very nice young American, living and working in England, Miss Lauren Maffeo. Lauren has been considering competing in the International pageant system, and I was more than happy to answer her questions. In fact, she also accepted my invitation to join us at the reception Joseph and I were hosting at the truly historic Berry Brothers & Rudd.
Just before 7:00pm Lauren, Shannon, Joseph and I arrived outside the wines and spirits establishment called Berry Brothers & Rudd, which has been in this location at 3 St. James Street, London, since 1698! My Harvard Business School classmate Simon Berry, who is not only the Chairman of this "well established" entity, is also the Clerk of the Royal Cellars. And yes, he shared royal stories with us...as we hosted our special guests in the family dining room above the store.
Joining our group was the lovely Jasmine Milano - Miss International Great Britain 2012, the newly crowned Zara Ramsay Nortley - Miss International Great Britain 2013, Dr. Loretta White with Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, and the beautiful Ruby Livings-Waterworth who is also a burn survivor.
As our guests were served exquisite canapes with paired wines, or water if preferred, it would have been impossible for me not to be moved by the convergence of my worlds; with International sisters, a Harvard classmate, members of the burn community, as well as, a dear friend and my fabulous husband...all together for an evening fit for a Queen...and an appropriate conclusion for a day to remember forever!
Thank you to everyone who helped make our experience in London so memorable; Ms. Becky, Demetri and the BB&R staff, members of the burn community and so many more!
With love and sincere gratitude,
Sarah Bazey
Mrs. International 2012
Now, if you read the second blog from London, you know that we had an experience of a lifetime and saw Queen Elizabeth II as she rode in her carriage back to Buckingham Palace after opening Parliament. She was wearing a beautiful crown, which was a thrill to see...but less than two hours later I was excited to place my own crown on my head for an official tour of the new Children's Burn Unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.
We were scheduled to meet Sharon Aylott, Play Specialist with the children's burn unit at 2:00pm. Even after our royal surprise, we still managed to get changed, in a taxi, and arrived in hospital lobby a few minutes early. Sharon was absolutely lovely and so generous to give us a complete tour of the burn unit. She invited us into a meeting space for a cup of tea and an opportunity to discuss the burn community in London. As we were meeting, Dr. Lisa Williams, Clinical Psychologist, joined our group and we were able to discuss the burn support program, as well as, other issues related to the broader burn communities in the UK and USA. I sincerely appreciated both of their time and that of the other staff members who made our tour a meaningful exchange. And, little Demi...who tried on my crown for her mommy's camera and shared a moment with me.
Lisa and Sharon
Siobhan Devlin
Sharon showing me the hydrotherapy (tub) room designed for little ones
Once we returned to the Lanesborough, I could not pass up the opportunity for a proper afternoon tea. So, here is a picture of my tea with the most amazing finger sandwiches and sweets you can imagine!
High Tea
My next scheduled meeting was to take place at our hotel with a very nice young American, living and working in England, Miss Lauren Maffeo. Lauren has been considering competing in the International pageant system, and I was more than happy to answer her questions. In fact, she also accepted my invitation to join us at the reception Joseph and I were hosting at the truly historic Berry Brothers & Rudd.
Lauren with me in the lobby of the Lanesborough
Just before 7:00pm Lauren, Shannon, Joseph and I arrived outside the wines and spirits establishment called Berry Brothers & Rudd, which has been in this location at 3 St. James Street, London, since 1698! My Harvard Business School classmate Simon Berry, who is not only the Chairman of this "well established" entity, is also the Clerk of the Royal Cellars. And yes, he shared royal stories with us...as we hosted our special guests in the family dining room above the store.
Joining our group was the lovely Jasmine Milano - Miss International Great Britain 2012, the newly crowned Zara Ramsay Nortley - Miss International Great Britain 2013, Dr. Loretta White with Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, and the beautiful Ruby Livings-Waterworth who is also a burn survivor.
Simon and Demetri assist me with my crown!
Simon and Shannon look fantastic!
Jasmine, Simon and Zara
Two Survivors!
Bright and beautiful Loretta
Loretta, Ruby, Jasmine, Simon, Me, Zara, Shannon and Joseph...unfortunately, Lauren was gone for the evening.
As our guests were served exquisite canapes with paired wines, or water if preferred, it would have been impossible for me not to be moved by the convergence of my worlds; with International sisters, a Harvard classmate, members of the burn community, as well as, a dear friend and my fabulous husband...all together for an evening fit for a Queen...and an appropriate conclusion for a day to remember forever!
Thank you to everyone who helped make our experience in London so memorable; Ms. Becky, Demetri and the BB&R staff, members of the burn community and so many more!
With love and sincere gratitude,
Sarah Bazey
Mrs. International 2012
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