This week’s BNSL meeting was a particularly special and emotional one, as we said farewell to Debbie Heron at her final meeting before retirement.
After 16 years as a valued member of BNSL, Debbie is stepping away from the group following her decision to retire and sell her businesses, Roundabout Hinckley and Roundabout the Villages magazines.
A Core Part of BNSL for 16 Years
Debbie has been one of the longest-standing and most dedicated members of the group, playing a huge role in shaping BNSL into what it is today.
Remarkably, Debbie has served on the BNSL Committee for the full 16 years of her membership, helping guide, support and organise the group throughout its development.
For over 10 of those years, Debbie also fulfilled the role of Group Secretary, keeping the group organised, welcoming, and running smoothly behind the scenes — a role she carried out with professionalism, warmth, and unwavering commitment.
Even more impressively, Debbie has attended an incredible 773 BNSL meetings during her time with the group — a remarkable reflection of her dedication, reliability and commitment to supporting the network.
Her contribution to BNSL over the years simply cannot be overstated.
Supporting the Local Community Through Her Business
Alongside her work within BNSL, Debbie has spent many years building and growing Roundabout Hinckley and Roundabout the Villages, two well-known local magazines that have supported countless businesses, community groups and local events across the area.
Her publications have become trusted household names in the local community, helping businesses promote themselves and residents stay connected with what is happening in the area.
A Thoughtful Gesture True to Debbie’s Character
In a gesture that perfectly sums up Debbie’s thoughtful and caring nature, she presented every single member of the group with an individual handwritten thank you card at her final meeting.
It was an incredibly kind and personal touch — and entirely in keeping with the warmth, generosity and consideration Debbie has shown throughout her entire time in BNSL.
That simple act spoke volumes about the sort of person Debbie is, and why she is so highly thought of by everyone in the room.
A Fitting Send-Off
Such is the impact Debbie has had on the group that several former members returned especially to wish her well in retirement, including:
- Paul Hines of Progress Windows
- Mark Randall of Sharnford Garage
Both long-time members of BNSL themselves, it was wonderful to see familiar faces back in the room to celebrate Debbie’s contribution and wish her well for the future.
More Than a Member
To many of us, Debbie has been far more than a fellow networker.
She has been a constant source of support, positivity, and encouragement to members both old and new. Her welcoming nature, professionalism, and dedication to helping others succeed have made a lasting impact on countless businesses within the group.
BNSL simply won’t be quite the same without her regular presence.
Wishing Debbie the Very Best
Debbie will be sorely missed as Group Secretary and as a core part of BNSL, but this certainly doesn’t feel like goodbye.
We really hope we’ll still see you from time to time — whether that’s popping into meetings or joining us at events when you can.
Wishing you all the very best for this next chapter, Debbie — you’ve more than earned it.
