Mary Events
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Weigh-Less celebrates 35 years Thirty-five years ago, on 25 February 1975, Weigh-Less founder Mary Holroyd took on South Africa with just a bathroom scale and R10 for advertising and printing. Today Weigh-Less is one of the market leaders of the weight loss industry in South Africa, with a “live-able, do-able and affordable eating plan” based on sound nutritional principles. Over 47 000 members visit 2 900 Weigh Less Groups regularly to receive the motivation and support that would help them through their journey to obtain and maintain their Goal Weight. Who would have guessed, that the first meeting where only eight people arrived at Holroyd’s first Group at the Harcourt Hotel in the Bluff, would have evolved in such a successful business?
Celebrating 35 years of Greatness in Port Elizabeth On Thursday 14 January 2010, Port Elizabeth celebrated 35 years of success with Mary Holroyd, founder and Chairman of Weigh-Less Health and Weight Management Company. The Westering Methodist Church saw hundreds of members and non members pouring in to listen to inspirational stories of women who have rediscovered themselves. |
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The Mary Event Celebrations are being held throughout the country during the months of January to March. Port Elizabeth was the first Celebration Event on the calendar. |
| Everyone was greeted by Esther Botha who was the master of ceremonies for the evening. The evening started with inspirational stories of women who have faced obstacles just like themselves. |
| Margie Thompson was one of the guest speakers to share her story. |  |
| Margie was plagued with an injury, and this caused her weight to escalate and become out of control. Like most of us, Margie tried various diets only to put on what she lost and more. Margie decided to rejoin Weigh-Less when she has had enough of her “fat clothes” not fitting anymore. After joining Weigh-Less Margie reached her Goal Weight and lost 10.2kg in just 9 months. |
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The second guest speaker for the evening was Anette Muller. |
| Anette was never overweight as a child. Anette first started gaining weight with her first pregnancy. Anette lost the weight but gained again with her second pregnancy. Anette tied every quick fix on the market. It was in 1997 when Anette joined Weigh-Less for the first time. Anette suffered from depression when she miscarried twice. In 2008 Anette rejoined Weigh-Less, she explains it as getting her life back. “I am much more active and positive than before, my latest achievement was a 21.1km road race which, I completed within the cut off time” says Anette. |
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Hannelie Doubell always placed others needs before her own, which caused her to be an emotional eater. |
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Hannelie gradually gained more and more weight, and she started to experience health problems. Hannelie joined Weigh-Less in January 2009 and began her amazing journey. Hannelie challenged all who were there, “Value yourself enough to join us on the journey to being the best that you can be! You deserve it!” Hannelie lost 22.2kg in 9 months. Guest of Honour Mary Holroyd, took the stage and inspired each person who was in the room. “The Eastern Cape is very special to me, as this is where Weigh-Less was conceived” said Mary. “Identify your strengths, weaknesses, and write them down. Make the best of all your opportunities and deal with threats in a positive manner. Remember to take baby steps to get to your targets every month. Write in your Rediscover Yourself Journals.” The event was a great success and we want to thank everyone who attended. We hope that you enjoyed the evening with us. We look forward to walking with you on your journey of Rediscovering Yourself. |
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Celebrating 35 years of Success in Rondechosch On Saturday 16 January 2010, Rondebosch celebrated 35 years of success with Founder and Chairman of Weigh-Less, Mary Holroyd. The event was held at St Thomas Church, where 150 people gathered to be inspired and motivated by real women who have transformed themselves.
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The evening kicked off with Weigh-Less Woman of the Year finalist Wendy Roman, who went from a size 14 to a size 6. The audience gasp as she showed her size 14 pants, they couldn’t believe this tiny and petite woman standing in front of them could have been that size. |
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Weigh-Less Woman of the Year 2009, Lynn Campbell entertained the audience as she describes her journey to rediscovering herself with Weigh-Less. Lynn lost 40kg on Weigh-Less and is still going strong. Lynn illustrated to the audience the amazing transformation by wearing one of her old business suits and taking it off layer by layer and showing the audience her new self. “I am now known at work as Slim Lynn, and I am so proud of that” says Lynn.
During the short break, where guests were treated to snacks and tea, guest of honour Mary Holroyd, went around to each table, chatting to each member and potential member as they were old friends. That is what being part of Weigh-Less is all about. You are part of a family who are there to support you through your journey. Mary then took the stage and encouraged and inspired the audience, “be all that you can be and reach for the stars” she said. Mary also encouraged members in the audience to stand up and share their journeys to weight loss. The event was a great success and we want to thank everyone who attended. We hope that you enjoyed the evening with us. We look forward to walking with you on your journey of Rediscovering Yourself. |
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On Friday, 15 January 2010 the Eastern Cape had their Kick-off Function at the Westering Methodist Church in Port Elizabeth. Wow, was the atmosphere charged with so much excitement as to who will take walk away with the Regional awards. Our Top 100 performers:
Liz Badenhorst - Regional GA for the Eastern Cape
Veronica Buchler - Regional GL of the Year
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Cape Kick Off Event at the Bellville Oos Kerk On Saturday 16 January 2010 the Cape had their Kick Off Event at the Bellville Oos Kerk . Once again it was time to reward and appreciate our staff for a job well done in 2009. Walking away with the prestigious National Team Leader of the Year 2009 was Mariza Snyman.
Regional Group Leader of the Year 2009 was Margaret Marran
Regional Group Assistant of the Year 2009 was Carolyn Ramsauer
Regional New Comer of the Year 2009 was Emily Thiart
WELL DONE! |
Click on the PDF symbol at the top of the screen to check out Mary’s Collection
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Durban North celebrates 35years of health and wellness Thursday, 18 March 2010 saw Durban North celebrating 35 years of health and wellness with Weigh-Less Founder and Chairman, Mary Holroyd, in what was to be the final Mary event in Kwa-Zulu Natal. People came from far and wide to listen to the inspirational success stories of the three guest speakers, Sharon Lambson who lost 17kg, Marietjie Van Vuuren who lost 25kg and Nikkie Cronjee who lost 30kg, as well as pay tribute to an organisation that has changed the lives of many over the last 35 year.
Sharon Lambson, the first speaker of the evening left the audience astounded with her speech which was deeply personal and consisted of a story that every person in the room could identify with. “If I can do it, so can you!” said Sharon, “it has been a long, sometimes difficult journey, but it has all been worth it! The most important advice I can give you are these five things: 1) look in the mirror every morning and say “Hi Gorgeous! Today is our day!” 2) Follow the Weigh-Less eating plan, 3) water, water, water... it’s so important! 4) If you cheat, go straight back to your eating plan and finally, weigh-in every week, even if you think you have gained! If you take nothing else from this meeting, take that away with you.” Looking stunning in her little black dress, Marietjie van Vuuren walked up to address the crowd with confidence, occasionally looking at her before picture and her “big clothes” before smiling a smile that lit up the entire room. “I never really worried about my weight; I was a comfort eater who found comfort in Jelly Babies and chocolate during stressful periods at university. One day, while listening to East Coast Radio, I heard somebody phone in and say that they were going to make 2009 their “two-thousand-and-MINE!” said Mariejie, rolling her eyes and explaining how she had thought it was “corny” at the time. “But it stuck with me, one day I decided that I was tired of feeling the way I was, I decided: this is my year, this is two-thousand-and-MINE and nobody would take that away from me! I did it... I lost the weight and have managed to stay at Goal Weight, you can do it too!" Nikkie Cronjee who lost an incredible 30kg was radiant as she spoke of her journey to Goal Weight. “I joined Weigh-Less because I wanted to change my life. I was tired of not wanting to go out with friends because I felt uncomfortable being overweight. Weigh-Less introduced me to a healthy lifestyle which not only helped me lose the weight and keep it off, but has become a part of my life. For all those on Weigh-Less, stick to it! The results are worth it! For those who are not members, Weigh-Less will change your life!” MC Dave Guselli, from East Coast Radio, entertained the crowd throughout the evening, often receiving hysterical laughter in response to his numerous jokes and comments. Mary Holroyd, the Guest of Honour and Weigh-Less Founder and Chairman brought tears to the eyes of many members of the audience as she spoke of her passion for Weigh-Less. “We are changing lives every day at Weigh-Less and I am so excited about this! Weigh-Less is not just an eating plan, it is a way of life,” said Mary, the emotion behind her words apparent in her facial expression. “I am so privileged to be able to work in a company that literally changes lives and I am so excited when I see people who have reached their Goal Weight and have managed to maintain it. The most important aspect of Weigh-Less is the group aspect of the programme, in which members receive support and advice. This and the fact that Weigh-Less is not a diet, but a lifestyle, is what Weigh-Less owes its success to.”
The audience was also treated to the Ditsie Dance, a dance which uses soccer moves in an attempt to get people up and exercising, making it relevant to the 2010 World Cup, an event that is on every South African’s mind. This certainly was the case as many audience members took to the stage to learn the dance, which was enjoyed by all present. After all that exercise, Slimsy cordial (endorsed by Weigh-Less) was on hand to provide refreshments for our budding dancers as well as the rest of the audience.
The Mary Event in Durban North was a night I’m sure many people will remember. It was the night of real people talking about their real successes and encouraging other members, as well as non-members to get on board and take control of their lives. The most memorable moment of the evening, however, was when Mary Holroyd took to the stage to talk about Weigh-Less and her journey through the years. Holroyd’s passion was overwhelming and certainly got people thinking. |
| Weigh-Less – 35 years of changing the shape of South Africa |
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Celebrating 35 years of successful weight and health management, Weigh-Less brought the party to its humble beginnings – the Bluff, in KwaZulu-Natal. |
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On Tuesday evening, 16 February 2010, St Barnabas Church Hall was bursting and bustling with people who had travelled from across the province, to join MC Dave Guselli (East Coast Radio DJ) and guest of honour, Mary Holroyd (founder and chairman of the Weigh-Less organisation) to commemorate the brand that has improved the quality of South African lives since 1975. The St Barnabas Church Hall doors opened at 17h00pm on Tuesday giving excited members of the public the chance to improve the quality of their lives and join a Weigh-Less Group. Tables were set up offering each person pamphlets explaining more about the Weigh-Less Groups and information on the foundation Weigh-Less is run on. On arrival each person was handed their own Rediscover Yourself Journal to help them stay focused on attaining their goals for 2010. The event kicked off at 19h00pm when MC Dave Guselli introduced guest of honour Mary Holroyd to an excited and anxious crowd. |
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Having been run through the proceedings of the evening ahead and watching an energetic and vivacious Indian cultural dance, Weigh-Less member Hlengiwe Mthembu came on to the stage. |
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Successfully losing 40kg, Hlengiwe took the crowd’s breath away as they looked on to a before picture of the now lighter and ultra confident person in front of them. Hlengiwe shared how, although she tried to keep active, she still struggled with her weight throughout her school life, university years and as she embarked on her married life. It was a matter of being in the right place at the right time for Hlengiwe as she had decided to lose weight for her 30th birthday but did not know how to go about it. While signing up at the Westmead Cricket Stadium for a fun run a Weigh-Less stall was there offering free weight assessments. Shocked that she had to lose 44kg, she was given a free Weigh-Less magazine and after that day signed up to join Weigh-Less. Her Group Leader, Wendy Henderson, offered all the support, help, motivation and inspiration Hlengiwe would need to overcome each weight loss obstacle successfully. Hlengiwe shared with the excited crowd that Weigh-Less has gone beyond being just food and the ability to control her weight, but has overlapped into other spheres of her life like with portion control Hlengiwe has learnt to be happy with what she has in life. Witnessing a small part of how Weigh-Less has shaped South Africa through Hlengiwe, Mary Holroyd took to the stage to join Dave Guselli, for a question and answer section for the audience. After which Dave took the back seat and allowed the audience to ask Mary questions they had on their minds. The event finished off with the giving away of a Weigh-Less hamper filled with many Weigh-Less endorsed products. A mad rush came over the crowd as they eagerly and excitedly turned their chairs upside down to see if their chair had the lucky sticker. With spirits high, the formalities ended and crowds dispersed having been touched by the wonders that Weigh-Less has to offer after 35 years. |
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On Saturday 14 August 2010, Witbank experienced a magnificent morning, celebrating Weigh-Less’ 35 years of success at the Methodist church and having Mary Holroyd, Founder and Chairman of Weigh-Less as the guest of honour. The hall was filled with smiles and laughter, as Mary entertained everyone with humorous stories and old anecdotes from Weigh-Less past
Members and non members poured in from all over to listen to the inspirational stories by Willie Swanepoel who lost 20kg in 7 Months, Magda Van Zyl who lost 24kg in 12 Months and Vicky Van Rhyn the Witbank Group Leader who lost 30kg in 8 months, all sharing their success with Weigh-Less. Willie Swanepoel, spoke about the moment he decided to change his life and how tired he was at being referred to as the fat overweight man and how it used to break him. He described the day he and his cousin went on the Mighty Men weekend. He said it was there that his life was changed completely. He realised how destructive he was being and what he was doing to his body immediately. It was time to not only change his eating habits but his attitude towards life and what he wanted out of it. He and his cousin took a bet that the one who lost the most weight in a certain period of time would choose a charity of their choice for the other to donate R1500 to. A few weeks later conversing with his cousin on how he was doing, found that he was trying all the tricks in the book, yo-yo dieting, and using the latest products on the market, resulting in more weight gain. Jumping at the opportunity, Willie searched the web and finally found the programme he wanted to participate in. It was not only a healthy eating plan but it would help and guide him every step of the way. It was Weigh-Less. Our second quest speaker was Magda van Zyl who lost an amazing 24kg in 12 months. Her inspirational story touched all who were there. The heartache of not being confident, hating clothes shopping and refusing to be sociable with her husband, purely because she was so embarrassed of her weight, which was too much to bear. To make things worse, Magda was also diagnosed with diabetes and had to start chronic medication.
However change came when they moved to Witbank two and a half years later. Being a complete stranger in a new town and not having to hide from familiar acquaintances, Magda decided it was time to turn her life around. The most important aspect for her was she needed someone to walk the journey with her. After attending a group meeting, she discovered that Weigh-Less offered just that. Magda is now healthy, her medication has decreased dramatically, she never misses a social function with her husband and she just can’t stop shopping for clothes!
Vicky van Rhyn a Group Leader in Witbank’s has also being successful with Weigh-Less and lost 30kg in 8month, she also spoke about her journey to success through Weigh-Less. She was looking for answers regarding her weight problem and couldn’t find any. Vicky acknowledged her family for being there for her, and giving her unfailing support. She thanked Mary for Weigh-Less and told her she has a purpose to live for. She also thanked her for the fulfilment that her members and her group sessions have given her, being a Group Leader.
Following Vicky, Mary Holroyd took the stage and exclaimed that she was so delighted to be in Witbank. Not only to hear the phenomenal stories but to experience and see the changes that these individuals have made by losing weight and re-discovering themselves. |
