Prima magazine staff and contributors met up recently, many of whom were coming face to face for the first time.
In this age of internet, mobile phones and other forms of remote communication, the 22 women who got together for lunch felt like they knew each other even though they had to introduce themselves to the other guests.
Manchester was chosen as the destination for the meeting as it was seen as being fairly central with good transport links.
The organisers chose the Beefeater Inn at Heald Green due to its proximity to the airport, rail station and the availability of both parking and accommodation.
While the volcanic ash cloud stopped a few would-be guests attending, they made up for it by holding their own celebration on the magazine's online forum.
"Anyone seeing us would have found it difficult to believe that it was the first time most of us had met each other. There were no awkward silences, just a lot of chat and plenty of laughter," Prima said of the day.
The publication focuses on providing real life guidance for modern women and has heavy involvement from its readership.
Posted by Arabella Gibson