Team News – January 2026

Published on January 16, 2026 by Blackstone

The new year hasn’t exactly eased us in gently…

Gareth underwent ACL reconstruction surgery on 15th January, which means he’ll be off for a week or so as he recovers. He’s on strict orders to take it easy. We’re all sending him our best, and hoping he’ll be back on his feet soon – quite literally.

In what seems to be the unofficial “knee season” here at Blackstone, Sheneen is also preparing for some major knee surgery of her own in late February. We’re lining up support so she can focus on her recovery too.

On a brighter note, we’re very pleased to say that Sheneen’s daughter is joining the team part-time to help with admin. A warm welcome to her – it’s lovely to have another familiar face (and second-generation team member!) in the office.

Meanwhile, the rest of us have been making the most of the New Year in our own ways. Louise Watson rang in 2026 with a trip to London – a lively way to see in the New Year with her family. Clare, sensibly avoiding the January drizzle, found herself soaking up some Spanish sunshine instead. No prizes for guessing who came back with the better tan. Gareth made it to Finland for Christmas, although due to a blizzard was stranded in the airport for 36 hours, along with around a thousand passengers resorting to sleeping on the airport floor!

We are  looking forward to catching up you this year. As always, if there’s anything we can help with in the meantime – financial or otherwise – just give us a ring.