Diary 9 May 2015

Ready, steady, splash After months of indoor training for the Agents v Landlords Sea BREEAM Charity Swim Challenge, swimmers finally got competitive with a 5km sprint relay in the Serpentine in Hyde Park on 24 April. The agents got off to the worst possible start with star swimmer Tom Leeming from Cushman & Wakefield out of action with tendonitis, but they surmounted the disadvantage and secured victory in a tight race. Estates Gazette will be following the teams’ progress until their final charity challenge: a relay swim across the English Channel on 26 September. To donate, visit www.seabreeams.com Go and see a man about a dog Property dog-lovers unite. Savills is urging Labrador owners to take their furry friends to Bewl Water in Lamberhurst, Kent, on 16 May for a 13-mile walk, potentially straight into the record books. The agent’s Cranbrook and Tunbridge Wells offices are supporting an effort to initiate the largest single-breed dog walk in the county, and raise money for Labrador Rescue Kent and Borders. The ramble starts at 9.30am. Find out more at www.labrescuekent.co.uk Innes back in the saddle Innes England has nominated Cancer Research UK as its charity for 2015 and is now deep into preparations for its main fundraising event – a 75-mile bike ride between Nottingham and Skegness. The Lycra is on order for 12 of the team who will embark on the 6 June ride. To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/Innes-England. Celebrating a stellar year Turn up to the right place, put yourself near the bar, introduce yourself to the host and always look interested (even if the conversation turns to the properties of concrete). These were the key lessons in networking, proffered by the undisputed expert on the topic, Liz Peace, last week. She spoke at LandAid’s ambassadors reception to celebrate the charity’s growing band of representatives – 123 from 52 companies across London – charged with increasing awareness of the charity and fundraising. The evening, hosted by Legal & General at its London HQ in Coleman Street, EC2, drew more than 100 guests. Paul Morrish, LandAid chief executive, shared some sage advice from his five-year-old daughter: “Find out how you can help the ‘dinner lady’ in your network, and the ‘pudding’ will follow.” LandAid has had a record year of grant-giving, awarding £1.2m to 23 charity projects for disadvantaged children. Running total Hats off to Jason Rishover, chief executive of Hertfordshire-based residential developer Heronslea Group, for completing the London Marathon. Rishover’s fundraising total is nudging £10,000, which will go to Great Street Hospital. This was his second consecutive London Marathon, run in just 3 hours 54 minutes. rebecca.kent@estatesgazette.com