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BE PART OF THE LEGACY

TAMPA BAY • FEBRUARY 23-24 2026

This FINAL encore experience will be unlike any other. Because like everything we do, it's been "reimagined" from beginning to end. It's not a virtual or hybrid event. It's not a conference. It's not a seminar, a workshop, a meeting, or a symposium. And it's not your typical run-of-the-mill everyday event crammed with stages, keynote speeches, team-building exercises, PowerPoint presentations, and all the other conventional humdrum. Because it's up close & personal by design. Where conversation trumps presentation. And where authentic connection runs deep.

Ancient Ruins Come to Life in Mind’s Eye

History is a topic that inspires, prompting further investigation into a country’s ancient past. Walking around castle ruins certainly energizes the imagination.

Wolvesey Castle, the former palace of Bishop Henry de Blois (1096 – 1171) grandson of William the Conqueror, and brother of King Stephen is located close to  Winchester center. The former capital of England. William the Conqueror ‘commissioned’ Winchester Cathedral thousand years’ ago, and his grandson Henry de Blois ‘commissioned’, the 900-year-old ‘illuminated’ Winchester Bible‎.  Approaching Wolvesey Castle, walking through an archway entrance, and suddenly surrounded by majestic ruins is, to say the least awesome.

Wolvesey Castle is next to the city’s incredibly high medieval city wall, complete with crenellations; a sign that fortification was essential in its day. Many people would have lived at the palace, providing the Bishop and associated clergy with an appropriate degree of service and reverence.  Sections such as the treasury, kitchens, and pantry are still visible.

Visitors’ heads glance around in awe and wonder at this former magnificent structure. Although a ruin, with imagination the original structure may manifest itself in the mind’s eye. ‎ Perhaps a sixth sense where Wolvesey Castle returns to its original spleandor.

Does the heart connect with whatever is imagined….or real? Receptive vibes? Looking around, the mind may visualize what it must have looked like prior to its destruction.

Some of the remaining structures are incredibly high. Exposed steps leading far above towards the sky above, seemingly leading nowhere; perhaps an elevation to a Divine Universe?

Ruins; especially former grand and ancient castles, may harbour spiritual elements which may be ‘transmitted’ but not necessarily received.‎

Wolvesey Castle’s fortitude and elegance project its former majesty.

A few minutes walk to the 1000-year-old Winchester Cathedral (commissioned by William the Conqueror). The Cathedral, though vast, is spiritually ‘warm’ and welcoming, blessing visitors with a feeling of serenity, peace, and tranquillity.  Kindness and empathy are readily exchanged.

In the South Transept The award-winning Kings and Scribes Exhibition literally transports visitors to another level of historic significance; Roman, Anglo-Saxon, Danish, and the Norman era. Plus the 900-year-old Winchester Bible.

‎A few minutes walk and the Water Meadows tempt visitors to stroll along a pathway aside the chalk-based River Itchen. From a castle ruin, iconic Cathedral to witness one of the most beautiful walks; be it Fall, Winter, Spring or Summer.
 
And it is now Fall. Colors supreme! Enjoy scenes of tranquillity and imaginary enlightenment.

Simon Lever
Simon Lever
Prior to his retirement, Simon engaged in software and services sector search and recruitment for American companies around Europe. He has retained the enjoyment of engaging with people from other countries and cultures. His energies are now directed towards voluntary community activities, journaling, and exhibition stewardship. He is a Featured Contributor for BizCatalyst 360°. As an Exhibition Steward, at the 1000-year-old Winchester Cathedral, he is responsible for guiding visitors from the world over, around the award-winning 'Kings and Scribes Exhibition', which includes the 900-year-old Winchester Bible. The exhibition introduces visitors to Winchester's historical significance as a former capital of England. Simon's journaling activities are published on BizCatalyst 360° and accompanying posts on LinkedIn, He acknowledges the inspiration afforded him by Carol Campos of Massachusetts: Life Strategist, Writer, and Intuitive Business Leader who introduced him to writing with feeling; from the heart. Simon's forté is creative writing; the accent on the natural environment, transforming feelings, emotions, sights, sounds, and scents of Mother Nature's landscape; hills and rivers and woodland into words, transporting the reader to the locations. Essays include accounts of his life in former days. Instinctively writing in such a spontaneous manner, descriptions become life-like. His often emotionally charged writing, whether describing a surreal 'Son et Lumière' at the Grand Place in Brussels to experiences acquired during European business travel. Journaling and Exhibition Steward activities are his key sources of inspiration and creativity. Kindness is ever more important, where he is a promoter of Shelly Elsliger PPCC's 'Decide to be Kind' Campaign. Simon champions Positivity, Empathy, and Kindness and has been described as a 'Beacon of Positivity'.

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