Many of you had asked for more informal opportunities to get to know each other and network within small groups, preferably over the week end when some of you have more free time and families can join.  

To create this opportunity, the PWN Events team proposed a day in Chantilly. On the last Sunday of September, members and their families gathered under a sunny blue sky, pretending summer was still there.  

The forest offered a convenient place to lunch in a beautiful clearing. 

After a walk in the forest, the group reached the castle and enjoyed the historic gardens created by Le Nôtre in the 17th century. No surprise, the visit ended with a tasting of the famous Chantilly whipped cream, in the hamlet, which served as a model for Marie-Antoinette's Hamlet in the Petit Trianon in Versailles. The children particularly enjoyed the green maze. 

Participants were delighted to get to know new joiners beyond a quick introduction and catch up with co-members they had not seen for a while.  The lack of a formalized agenda allowed for informal discussions on a wide range of topics. 

“I have been a member of PWN for the past 4 years and an active volunteer for the past 3 years. My husband and my children often hear about it, and it was great for them to get a feel from it,” says Claire Perrin, General Secretary of PWN Paris Board. “While the kids were playing football in the wood, I had the opportunity to meet new people and to discuss more deeply with some that I knew superficially. It was a casual way to share our stories, challenges and dreams (including those of my husband of course), and build a connection. In the end, this was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon: nice company, beautiful scenery, and not having to choose between PWN and family time!”  

The pleasure to meet, share, learn from each other is one of the motto by PWN, such a moment in the nature proves how simple it is to connect.  

We will certainly continue offering this opportunity to all our members, their families and friends. 

Thanks to Virginie Améaume, member of the Events Team and resident of Chantilly, for the organization of this event. 

Birgit Gronkowski, new member in the Events Team