Women on Air   

... The photo is of Sharon Lingham -
the 'face of Crown Limousines' and the first
of the women on our new series of
 'Women Creating Business. ...
 

Lifestyle Visiting Celeb's

Sharon Lingham-co-owner of
Crown Limousines hosts many a visiting celebrity.

Recently she was spotted with the following
well known faces.
1.Dame Cleo  Laine & Sir John Dankworth
2. Val Doonican

SETTING THE STANDARDS IN NEW ZEALAND

"For the past year, Sharon maintained No1.
position, currently out of over 4 million
"celebrity update" sites !

Sharon appeared on CTV breakfast show
on a five-day basis, introducing visiting
celebrities as well as profiling our budding
talent and events, she now
concentrates on doing the same on her
award winning website,
Sharon's Global Celebrity Update"
www.sharonlingham.com

Hospitality Today Magazine

LEADING THE WAY MORE THAN ONE  

"Usually, the transportation business is a male dominated
 industry but this successful business is a brainchild
of a very determined woman, Sharon Lingham. She proved
to the critics that her company could start from only one
 limousine in the small rural township of Rangiora and
today has the country's largest fleet of stretched limousines."

                               OUT & ABOUT
"During the evening the King & the Queen of Romance
 were crowned by Sharon Lingham, CEO of
Crown Limousines, then escorted from the venue.."

"One of the directors, Sharon Lingham,       
    has a global award winning website,
 updating  community and celebrity news."

                           CANCER APPEAL LAUNCHED

 The Cancer Foundation hopes to raise more than $500,000
in its forth annual appeal this week.
Curly Watts from television's Coronation Street, joined
New Zealand entertainers-All The Best stars (Jodi Voughan,
guitarists Gray Bartlett and Brendon Dugan and celebrity
ambassador, Sharon Lingham. The stars autographed a special
T-shirt after the recent All The Best Show at the Christchurch
Town Hall.
                                             

                         DRIVING THE STARS 

"Sharon Lingham loves her job and why wouldn't she through her work with Crown Limousines, she gets to act as an ambassador
 to the stars, escorting them around and making sure their visit
goes smoothly, as well as helping various charitable
 organisations with her contacts in the media and showbiz world."

                        TALL POPPY SYNDROME  
  
"Sharon Lingham of Crown Limousines deals regularly with
celebrities through her work. She sees the effects of Tall Poppy Syndrome as famous people are picked apart for their weak
 points and rumours run rampant.
Sharon's own public profile has increased through her regular television appearances and for the first time, Sharon is feeling the effects of Tall Poppy Syndrome herself."

               FROM GUMBOOTS TO GLAMOUR      
"Sharon opens the Breakfast Show each morning, interviewing many of the celebrity guests that travel with Crown Limousines."

                                IT'S OFFICIAL

"Sharon Lingham launched New Zealand's latest J seating super stretch limousine recently." 

"This gives us the opportunity to say a huge thank you to one of
our clients that has helped us out and this month the winner is
 Crown Limousines who have provided limousines for so many promotions including........................................
Tom Jones, Breathe, S2S, Robbie Williams, Doobie Brothers. 

Sharon, hope you find time to enjoy the trip to Hanmer Springs..."

OJ -91 ZM- Radio Network Newsletter

                         UPCLOSE & PERSONAL

"Some of our charity organisations are already benefiting from Sharon's influence she works closely with international star's
agencies and actively promotes concerts and shows through New Zealand media.

Autographed items by the artists and entertainers are regularly auctioned off to raise funds by charities like Rainbow Trust, Royal Foundation for the Blind etc."

                 PASSION BEFORE PROFIT

"Sharon Lingham has been a beautician, a farmer, a horticulturist, and has owned her own supermarket, she still owns three companies and several commercial properties, while finding time to host a local breakfast television show. 
All these activities are indicative of a woman who avows that her total commitment is to job satisfaction before any motivation of profit."

---

                NEVER SAY NEVER

"Sharon Lingham is an exotic, dynamic woman who blazes with enthusiasm. She has a stack of thank you letters 15cm high from people she has been able to help."

---

Sharon and her family had to commute daily from their farm at North Loburn.

She now spends more time in the city as she's one of the directors of four companies, (one being a national company), part of her daily routine include holding board meetings for charitable organizations, assisting in fund raising ideas for the cash strapped community bodies, overseeing her own daily business dealings, promoting new and well known entertainers- ( local & international ), mentoring & inspiring business people, also involved in television, magazine, radio & most recently internet to bring  her wealth of ideas as well as letting the rest of the world know what is happening 'down under ' and elsewhere !

Sharon has also inspires and guideds 'forgotten
people" and leads them back to limelight!

Working closely with the media , she is able to profile the least known organizations as well as entertainers. Whenever possible, she is able to welcome visiting celebrities at the airport as their ambassador.

She also manages to be a guest speaker at selected functions as well as being a business mentor.

Her marketing skills are much admired in business community as she is sought after for inspirational/ motivational speeches all around the country !

Charitable organizations and fundraising committees also love her presence at their meetings & functions! 

Also appearing as a special guest at galas including Golden Awards ....... 

Recently, she has been asked to model for Positively Fabulous Seminar by Denyse Saunders aimed for women in their 30's - 60's. Sharon is not hesitant to display the fact that busy women can look great ! She has appeared on Catwalk twice within 12 months !

Sharon has recently help fight a fire in the same street as her office, when a house caught fire.....with Sharon there's always a new chapter in her day !

---

Crowned  as Miss Coral in her teens, she later became a beautician, a cheer-leader for Top Town, took up an Accountancy course but ralised that women could not have their own charted accounting office in those days so  went farming and renovating houses with  husband, David.

Later involved in retail businesses, then purchasing a 3-acre general plant nursery. Inspite of losing a huge amount of money in the nursery, Sharon decided to specialize in one line of plants. Thereafter, specializing in Fuchsias. 
(in flower terms means ' bend down and kiss me' ). From only 50 varieties, Canterbury Fuchsia Centre NZ Ltd boasted having the largest varieties in the Southern Hemisphere!

Sharon also offered a free nationwide advisory service and wrote several articles on the care of the cultivar. She had declined an offer to teach horticulture at University of Canterbury as she could not juggle motherhood, being a guest speaker at functions as well as running her own business. 

Even today Sharon is well known as  the Queen of Fuchsias. With a slip of tongue at a function Sharon was a guest speaker at sparked the rumours that the nursery was for sale and the media had a field day and so did Sharon as she had no trouble selling the stock and plant and overseas investors bought the land.

 Suddenly, she realized she became public property as plant enthusiasts from all over the country demanded to know why she was quitting!

As she was recuperating from a major operation, Sharon, came across the advertisement about a 50 acre farm with a 120 year old house about to be demolished. A challenge indeed - it took her husband and her just 15 months to completely renovate it to its former glory.

Then they bought commercial properties which Sharon and her husband maintain themselves.

Later buying a new house in its shell stage-within 15 months, the house was extended, completely finished, landscaped, fully fenced and shelter plants planted for their stock, attractive driveway all in place.

The property is very well admired by locals as well as visiting celebrities. And you've guessed it...... Sharon grew most of plants herself except shelter belt !

She would watch out for people in need and offer them a 'country retreat' without any charge.

As Sharon says " It's like receiving a million dollars see the transformation in a person who would have very low esteem due to lack of jobs, money and friends".

 She'd make her own butter, do baking and also a volunteer hostess for Aged Concern.

Later the couple bought a limousine manufacturing business and supplying New Zealand with stretched limousines.

A client could not fund for one of   the vehicles. So despite being in a small rural township, and being told that this was not Hollywood, Sharon started a limousine hire business from one vehicle and now owning and operating the country's largest  limousine  company.  

Her company, Crown Limousines NZ Ltd is also the
first New Zealand road transport business to receive the prestigious Qualmark TM endorsement.-
a huge achievement in  male dominated industry!

---

 

           Nothing is impossible as Sharon loves
          uniqueness and challenge in life !
        Her Motto: NEVER SAY NEVER.    
One of her businesses, (Crown Limousines  NZ Ltd ) is
 the first New Zealand road transport business to be
 licensed to use tourism industry’s official Qualmark TM
 quality mark under the national quality endorsement system.
   See Upclose And Personal Interviews With Legendary Nana Mouskouri,Dave Dobbyn,Judy Bailey Plus More

   Rave & Reviews

Fuchsia Queen Turns Her Hands To Weddings

As the 2006 Festival of Flowers and Romance draws to
a close, Sharon Lingham, of Crown Limousines, is busy
organising the grand finale of the Global Wedding Extravaganza.
The event, which is Sharon's brainchild. ..........................

- THE STAR CANTERBURY

A Day In The Life Of Sharon Lingham

Sharon Lingham's daily routine is never the same. She's a wife, mother
and director of four companies including Crown Limousines NZ Ltd.
And not the one to do things by halves, Sharon and her family own a limousine manufacturing company.

- LIFESTYLE  MAGAZINE

From article: NZ Teen Wins International Songwriters' Award

Sharon Lingham of Crown Limousines, New Zealand,
who acts as an ambassador for international and national
entertainers said that New Zealand had so much to offer-
 the most beautiful place on planet, a country full of
talent of all ages, leading the world in so many things.

"Look at New Zealand's history-from scientists, heart
 surgeons, movie makers, mountain climbers like
 Sir Edmund Hillary- I'm so proud of everyone of them",
 said Sharon.

Sharon is no exception as she has No.1 position for
 'celebrity update' site on internet-
 Sharon's Global Celebrity Update. www.sharonlingham.com

       -  SCOOP INDEPENDENT NEWS
 

GENEROUS SHARON'S GIFT OF GIVING    

FRIEND to the stars Sharon Lingham from Crown Limousines has donated two Lincoln limos to the foundation for the blind's online auction.

Sharon has also donated an autographed CD from the legendary Petula Clark, who made headlines up and down the country with her recent visit.

She thought Sharon was such a great ambassador for
celebrities that she asked for a link to Sharon's award winning website, www.sharonlingham.com
Daniel O'Donnell's autographed CD is also up for grabs.
Sandra Roberts: New Zealand's Hottest Gossip

 
Christchurch's Sharon Lingham's Global Celebrity Update at http://www.sharonlingham.com/ has been registered number
 1 out of 1.3 million according to major search engine, Google,
 Frequented by celebrities from all over the world, it's aim is to
 inspire celebrities, inform fans, and to keep people updated
on news of concerts and other events.

Besides releasing news about international celebrities, the site
 updates community news, charitable organisations'
 fund raising news and also promoting the least known stars.

Sharon used to open CTV's breakfast show every morning with her celebrity guests and with recent articles in David Hartnell's Celebrity column in NZ Truth, the site has gained even more local awareness.

"It is like running my own television show but instead of appearing
each time looking just right for the screen, I
could be delivering messages in my jeans, dressing gown or an
evening gown- if I've just returned from a function"-
says Sharon.

The site has already won several awards, including 2002-2003 & 2003-2004 Golden Global Web Awards, UK's "The Excellence Award, and NZ Information Award.
March 2004

         SHARON'S CROWNING TRIUMPH

"When I asked Sharon for a few celebrity secrets,
She laughed and told me she'll take them all to her grave-
and I believe she will".
David Hartnell-This week's Hottest Celebrity News-

               WEBSITE REVIEW  

"New Zealand businesswoman Sharon Lingham is a legend.

The Christchurch based owner of Crown Limousines
and proclaimed celebrity ambassador is a celebrity
 herself with regular TV and public appearances promoting
charities, events, established entertainers and struggling newcomers.

          Lingham should be an inspiration to us all."

         LEADING THE WAY IN MORE WAYS  THAN ONE                          
"In spite of 'this is not Hollywood', comments, the demand was
 there and this drove Sharon Lingham to develop that side of the business.

Today, Crown Limousines has the country's largest fleet
of limousines.

Earlier this year Crown Limousines became the first New Zealand
road transport business to receive Qualmark TM endorsement.

 The company is particularly proud of their achievement-
and their company is led by a woman in this male
 dominated industry!"

CANTERBURY EMPLOYERS' CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

   ROBERT HAS A NEW PASSION  

"Robert was so impressed with what Sharon does as
an ambassador for visiting artists as well as her dedication
to charities, that he sent her t-shirts and caps autographed by all of Chicago band members.

A T-shirt sold for $500 at Zonta charity auction recently
  with proceeds going to Christchurch  Cholmondeley Children's Home.
The Royal Foundation of the Blind benefited from a similar auction."

David Hartnell-This Week's Hottest Celebrity News-

                      HOT IN THE CITY

"Successful businesswoman, Sharon Lingham's resume is as diverse as the famous international "stars" she now meets."

                  WORTHY CAUSE

"Chicago founder, Robert Lamm, visiting Christchurch last year
was so touched by Sharon Lingham's dedication to fundraising
that he sent her Chicago t-shirt, autographed by all members of the band."

     SHARON LINGHAM- LIMOUSINE QUEEN

"Before she became the prominent member of the Christchurch community that she is today, Sharon had her fair share of obstacles and tragedies to overcome.
One of the biggest was losing her father, mother, and oldest brother within four years, all from heart conditions."

               THAT VERY SPECIAL TOUCH
"We went to talk about the operation Crown Limousines and found Sharon Lingham, and talked about her because Sharon IS Crown Limousines
-owner of the company and preserver of the good taste that gives the company the reputation necessary for such an enterprise."
She is also a television presenter, a farmer, a goodwill ambassador, a business woman....And when somebody hires a limousine from Crown, it seems they find a friend and mentor for the duration of their stay, in Sharon."

 

Sharon sets the trends which others follow! 

Sharon founded Canterbury's first television breakfast
show, in which she introduced visiting entertainers and
local talents. The show also showcased local
charity events.

New Zealand's very first, Global Wedding Extravaganza TM
was also founded by Sharon in 2006.The event showcased
and celebrated the different cultures in the city, drawing a
crowd of over 7,000. Global Wedding Extravaganza 2006's
success was praised by the media and Christchurch City's
deputy Mayor, Carole Evans and the CEO of the Garden City
Trust.

A mouth-piece for what's happening in the community. She has
 regular contact with ' forgotten or low esteem entertainers and
puts them back in the entertainment scene with her
 encouragement, support and marketing skills.

Being a true Canterbury person, she declined two
 offers from an Australian & New York television
stations to do similar work in those countries.

 She promotes well healed entertainers as well as budding ones-
she even had an eight year old doing break-dance on her TV spot.
From New Zealand's budding stars Hayley Westendra &
Backchat to legendary  Gene Pitney....... 

 Reading articles for appeals e.g. Backchat in newspapers
and helping them find the required funds to go overseas
 to compete internationally.

Backchat is now internationally renown - as  they were further
assisted by our friends, former Beach Boys their colleagues-
they are now international stars. Sharon was asked by the
 former Beach Boys to officially announce their
association with Backchat, to be first time in history as
"The Beach Boys & Surfer Girls " on television.

Perry Drysdale from Snowy Peak getting the first congratulations
from Sharon on television as being The Business Woman Of The Year.

Proud member of Zonta Christchurch Canterbury, Altrusa International,
and the National Council of Women, Sharon does not hesitate
 to promote her worthwhile clubs.

Sharon believes in helping charities for the 'good' of the organisation
and not 'glorifying oneself'. She strongly detests this.

She credits her success to team work - her husband David, her son Rodney, all her dedicated staff, her colleagues , friends , members of the community & the Media.

Acting as the ambassador for international & local celebrities, Sharon meets & greets them and beautiful relationship is formed and it is only  instinctive for her to promote their shows there.

 Ensuring that these celebrities would return to New Zealand either
 to perform, holiday or even invest in properties here, she is happy
to show them around and is great at arranging R & R for them. 

Brian Wilson, Rachel Hunter, Vengaboys, Charley Pride,
Gene Pitney, Beach Boys, Sir Edmund Hillary, Petula Clark,
Dame Cleo Laine, and the Late Kevin Smith are just some of the names.

 She'd ask them to autograph various items which would be donated
for fund raising-she does not only lift the profile of the participating
stars but also able to raise funds for cash strapped organizations.

At a recent Cystic Fibrosis Cricket Gala, Crown Limousine t-shirt
signed by Charley Pride was bought by our very proud
sports icon Andrew Mehterns.

At another, Robert Lamm (founder of Chicago band), had sent her
autographed t-shirt signed by all members ,which she donated to
Zonta Club of Christchurch and fetched $550.

 Promoting the local events as well as helping raise funds
 as well as awareness of cash strapped community organizations.

Sharon pioneered the first local television breakfast show in May 2001.

Later, she was one of the contenders to purchase the local
television station, CTV. 

Sharon has Golden Global Award  winning website and has an
Oscar to prove it!

Sharon's dedication to our community speaks for itself as Sharon,
along with her husband, David spent 2004 Christmas Day
(her only day off) helping the unfortunate and poor  at
Christchurch City Mission.
 And no, she did not seek any payment!
Instead, she saved the day by donating items urgently needed
for this day.

She writes her column based on her own website in a very popular
 glossy magazine, VIP Canterbury- which the stars love to take home!
It is called Sharon's Canterbury Celebrity Update.

Sharon's official dress / costume designers  
Sisters 3 - located at 68 Orbell Street, Christchurch.
Phone (03) 365 2505.

"Sisters 3 was started by one of the sisters, Jude Wastney,
who at 50 years of age could not find a job so started
making dresses instead of being on being Domestic Purpose
Benefit (DPB). Shortly afterwards, two other sisters joined her.
Sisters 3 started from a garage, from one  sewing  machine to
today several and has a large show-room.
Community spirited, they also employ refugees and mentally
and physically challenged people.
I love their great sense of humour," says Sharon.

Official Costume jewellery maker 
Clara Jewellery

Weaknesses: Memphis Meltdown.  A sob story.

Can't Do Without: Challenge and Cadbury King Size
 chocolate per day. 

Loves: family & friends. uncomplicated life, positive people,
honest, caring, community caring people   

Hates: Show-offs, dishonest, lazy ,rude and negative people.
 (She's quick to let them know). Also those who rip  off charities. 

Inspired By: Terminally ill children & Positive people.

Favourite colour/s: Red & Gold

Favourite day: Thursday

Charities: Scores of charities (see Charities Page)
And no, Sharon does not get paid for any charity work!

            Women on Air   

... The photo is of Sharon Lingham -
the 'face of Crown Limousines' and the first
of the women on our new series of
 'Women Creating Business. ...
 

Lifestyle Visiting Celeb's

Sharon Lingham-co-owner of
Crown Limousines hosts many a visiting celebrity.

Recently she was spotted with the following
well known faces.
1.Dame Cleo  Laine & Sir John Dankworth
2. Val Doonican

SETTING THE STANDARDS IN NEW ZEALAND

"For the past year, Sharon maintained No1.
position, currently out of over 4 million
"celebrity update" sites !

Sharon appeared on CTV breakfast show
on a five-day basis, introducing visiting
celebrities as well as profiling our budding
talent and events, she now
concentrates on doing the same on her
award winning website,
Sharon's Global Celebrity Update"
www.sharonlingham.com

Hospitality Today Magazine

LEADING THE WAY MORE THAN ONE  

"Usually, the transportation business is a male dominated
 industry but this successful business is a brainchild
of a very determined woman, Sharon Lingham. She proved
to the critics that her company could start from only one
 limousine in the small rural township of Rangiora and
today has the country's largest fleet of stretched limousines."

                               OUT & ABOUT
"During the evening the King & the Queen of Romance
 were crowned by Sharon Lingham, CEO of
Crown Limousines, then escorted from the venue.."

"One of the directors, Sharon Lingham,       
    has a global award winning website,
 updating  community and celebrity news."

                           CANCER APPEAL LAUNCHED

 The Cancer Foundation hopes to raise more than $500,000
in its forth annual appeal this week.
Curly Watts from television's Coronation Street, joined
New Zealand entertainers-All The Best stars (Jodi Voughan,
guitarists Gray Bartlett and Brendon Dugan and celebrity
ambassador, Sharon Lingham. The stars autographed a special
T-shirt after the recent All The Best Show at the Christchurch
Town Hall.
                                             

                         DRIVING THE STARS 

"Sharon Lingham loves her job and why wouldn't she through her work with Crown Limousines, she gets to act as an ambassador
 to the stars, escorting them around and making sure their visit
goes smoothly, as well as helping various charitable
 organisations with her contacts in the media and showbiz world."

                        TALL POPPY SYNDROME  
  
"Sharon Lingham of Crown Limousines deals regularly with
celebrities through her work. She sees the effects of Tall Poppy Syndrome as famous people are picked apart for their weak
 points and rumours run rampant.
Sharon's own public profile has increased through her regular television appearances and for the first time, Sharon is feeling the effects of Tall Poppy Syndrome herself."

               FROM GUMBOOTS TO GLAMOUR      
"Sharon opens the Breakfast Show each morning, interviewing many of the celebrity guests that travel with Crown Limousines."

                                IT'S OFFICIAL

"Sharon Lingham launched New Zealand's latest J seating super stretch limousine recently." 

"This gives us the opportunity to say a huge thank you to one of
our clients that has helped us out and this month the winner is
 Crown Limousines who have provided limousines for so many promotions including........................................
Tom Jones, Breathe, S2S, Robbie Williams, Doobie Brothers. 

Sharon, hope you find time to enjoy the trip to Hanmer Springs..."

OJ -91 ZM- Radio Network Newsletter

                         UPCLOSE & PERSONAL

"Some of our charity organisations are already benefiting from Sharon's influence she works closely with international star's
agencies and actively promotes concerts and shows through New Zealand media.

Autographed items by the artists and entertainers are regularly auctioned off to raise funds by charities like Rainbow Trust, Royal Foundation for the Blind etc."

                 PASSION BEFORE PROFIT

"Sharon Lingham has been a beautician, a farmer, a horticulturist, and has owned her own supermarket, she still owns three companies and several commercial properties, while finding time to host a local breakfast television show. 
All these activities are indicative of a woman who avows that her total commitment is to job satisfaction before any motivation of profit."

---

                NEVER SAY NEVER

"Sharon Lingham is an exotic, dynamic woman who blazes with enthusiasm. She has a stack of thank you letters 15cm high from people she has been able to help."

---

Sharon and her family had to commute daily from their farm at North Loburn.

She now spends more time in the city as she's one of the directors of four companies, (one being a national company), part of her daily routine include holding board meetings for charitable organizations, assisting in fund raising ideas for the cash strapped community bodies, overseeing her own daily business dealings, promoting new and well known entertainers- ( local & international ), mentoring & inspiring business people, also involved in television, magazine, radio & most recently internet to bring  her wealth of ideas as well as letting the rest of the world know what is happening 'down under ' and elsewhere !

Sharon has also inspires and guideds 'forgotten
people" and leads them back to limelight!

Working closely with the media , she is able to profile the least known organizations as well as entertainers. Whenever possible, she is able to welcome visiting celebrities at the airport as their ambassador.

She also manages to be a guest speaker at selected functions as well as being a business mentor.

Her marketing skills are much admired in business community as she is sought after for inspirational/ motivational speeches all around the country !

Charitable organizations and fundraising committees also love her presence at their meetings & functions! 

Also appearing as a special guest at galas including Golden Awards ....... 

Recently, she has been asked to model for Positively Fabulous Seminar by Denyse Saunders aimed for women in their 30's - 60's. Sharon is not hesitant to display the fact that busy women can look great ! She has appeared on Catwalk twice within 12 months !

Sharon has recently help fight a fire in the same street as her office, when a house caught fire.....with Sharon there's always a new chapter in her day !

---

Crowned  as Miss Coral in her teens, she later became a beautician, a cheer-leader for Top Town, took up an Accountancy course but ralised that women could not have their own charted accounting office in those days so  went farming and renovating houses with  husband, David.

Later involved in retail businesses, then purchasing a 3-acre general plant nursery. Inspite of losing a huge amount of money in the nursery, Sharon decided to specialize in one line of plants. Thereafter, specializing in Fuchsias. 
(in flower terms means ' bend down and kiss me' ). From only 50 varieties, Canterbury Fuchsia Centre NZ Ltd boasted having the largest varieties in the Southern Hemisphere!

Sharon also offered a free nationwide advisory service and wrote several articles on the care of the cultivar. She had declined an offer to teach horticulture at University of Canterbury as she could not juggle motherhood, being a guest speaker at functions as well as running her own business. 

Even today Sharon is well known as  the Queen of Fuchsias. With a slip of tongue at a function Sharon was a guest speaker at sparked the rumours that the nursery was for sale and the media had a field day and so did Sharon as she had no trouble selling the stock and plant and overseas investors bought the land.

 Suddenly, she realized she became public property as plant enthusiasts from all over the country demanded to know why she was quitting!

As she was recuperating from a major operation, Sharon, came across the advertisement about a 50 acre farm with a 120 year old house about to be demolished. A challenge indeed - it took her husband and her just 15 months to completely renovate it to its former glory.

Then they bought commercial properties which Sharon and her husband maintain themselves.

Later buying a new house in its shell stage-within 15 months, the house was extended, completely finished, landscaped, fully fenced and shelter plants planted for their stock, attractive driveway all in place.

The property is very well admired by locals as well as visiting celebrities. And you've guessed it...... Sharon grew most of plants herself except shelter belt !

She would watch out for people in need and offer them a 'country retreat' without any charge.

As Sharon says " It's like receiving a million dollars see the transformation in a person who would have very low esteem due to lack of jobs, money and friends".

 She'd make her own butter, do baking and also a volunteer hostess for Aged Concern.

Later the couple bought a limousine manufacturing business and supplying New Zealand with stretched limousines.

A client could not fund for one of   the vehicles. So despite being in a small rural township, and being told that this was not Hollywood, Sharon started a limousine hire business from one vehicle and now owning and operating the country's largest  limousine  company.  

Her company, Crown Limousines NZ Ltd is also the
first New Zealand road transport business to receive the prestigious Qualmark TM endorsement.-
a huge achievement in  male dominated industry!

---

 

Nothing is impossible as Sharon loves uniqueness and challenge in life !
      

  Her Motto: NEVER SAY NEVER.    
One of her businesses, (Crown Limousines  NZ Ltd ) is the first New Zealand road transport business to be licensed to use tourism industry’s official Qualmark TM quality mark under the national quality endorsement system.

    See Upclose And Personal Interviews With Legendary Nana Mouskouri,Dave Dobbyn,Judy Bailey Plus More

   Rave & Reviews

Fuchsia Queen Turns Her Hands To Weddings

As the 2006 Festival of Flowers and Romance draws to
a close, Sharon Lingham, of Crown Limousines, is busy
organising the grand finale of the Global Wedding Extravaganza.
The event, which is Sharon's brainchild. ..........................

- THE STAR CANTERBURY

A Day In The Life Of Sharon Lingham

Sharon Lingham's daily routine is never the same. She's a wife, mother
and director of four companies including Crown Limousines NZ Ltd.
And not the one to do things by halves, Sharon and her family own a limousine manufacturing company.

- LIFESTYLE  MAGAZINE

From article: NZ Teen Wins International Songwriters' Award

Sharon Lingham of Crown Limousines, New Zealand,
who acts as an ambassador for international and national
entertainers said that New Zealand had so much to offer-
 the most beautiful place on planet, a country full of
talent of all ages, leading the world in so many things.

"Look at New Zealand's history-from scientists, heart
 surgeons, movie makers, mountain climbers like
 Sir Edmund Hillary- I'm so proud of everyone of them",
 said Sharon.

Sharon is no exception as she has No.1 position for
 'celebrity update' site on internet-
 Sharon's Global Celebrity Update. www.sharonlingham.com

       -  SCOOP INDEPENDENT NEWS
 

GENEROUS SHARON'S GIFT OF GIVING    

FRIEND to the stars Sharon Lingham from Crown Limousines has donated two Lincoln limos to the foundation for the blind's online auction.

Sharon has also donated an autographed CD from the legendary Petula Clark, who made headlines up and down the country with her recent visit.

She thought Sharon was such a great ambassador for
celebrities that she asked for a link to Sharon's award winning website, www.sharonlingham.com
Daniel O'Donnell's autographed CD is also up for grabs.
Sandra Roberts: New Zealand's Hottest Gossip

 
Christchurch's Sharon Lingham's Global Celebrity Update at http://www.sharonlingham.com/ has been registered number
 1 out of 1.3 million according to major search engine, Google,
 Frequented by celebrities from all over the world, it's aim is to
 inspire celebrities, inform fans, and to keep people updated
on news of concerts and other events.

Besides releasing news about international celebrities, the site
 updates community news, charitable organisations'
 fund raising news and also promoting the least known stars.

Sharon used to open CTV's breakfast show every morning with her celebrity guests and with recent articles in David Hartnell's Celebrity column in NZ Truth, the site has gained even more local awareness.

"It is like running my own television show but instead of appearing
each time looking just right for the screen, I
could be delivering messages in my jeans, dressing gown or an
evening gown- if I've just returned from a function"-
says Sharon.

The site has already won several awards, including 2002-2003 & 2003-2004 Golden Global Web Awards, UK's "The Excellence Award, and NZ Information Award.
March 2004

         SHARON'S CROWNING TRIUMPH

"When I asked Sharon for a few celebrity secrets,
She laughed and told me she'll take them all to her grave-
and I believe she will".
David Hartnell-This week's Hottest Celebrity News-

               WEBSITE REVIEW  

"New Zealand businesswoman Sharon Lingham is a legend.

The Christchurch based owner of Crown Limousines
and proclaimed celebrity ambassador is a celebrity
 herself with regular TV and public appearances promoting
charities, events, established entertainers and struggling newcomers.

          Lingham should be an inspiration to us all."

         LEADING THE WAY IN MORE WAYS  THAN ONE                          
"In spite of 'this is not Hollywood', comments, the demand was
 there and this drove Sharon Lingham to develop that side of the business.

Today, Crown Limousines has the country's largest fleet
of limousines.

Earlier this year Crown Limousines became the first New Zealand
road transport business to receive Qualmark TM endorsement.

 The company is particularly proud of their achievement-
and their company is led by a woman in this male
 dominated industry!"

CANTERBURY EMPLOYERS' CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

   ROBERT HAS A NEW PASSION  

"Robert was so impressed with what Sharon does as
an ambassador for visiting artists as well as her dedication
to charities, that he sent her t-shirts and caps autographed by all of Chicago band members.

A T-shirt sold for $500 at Zonta charity auction recently
  with proceeds going to Christchurch  Cholmondeley Children's Home.
The Royal Foundation of the Blind benefited from a similar auction."

David Hartnell-This Week's Hottest Celebrity News-

                      HOT IN THE CITY

"Successful businesswoman, Sharon Lingham's resume is as diverse as the famous international "stars" she now meets."

                  WORTHY CAUSE

"Chicago founder, Robert Lamm, visiting Christchurch last year
was so touched by Sharon Lingham's dedication to fundraising
that he sent her Chicago t-shirt, autographed by all members of the band."

     SHARON LINGHAM- LIMOUSINE QUEEN

"Before she became the prominent member of the Christchurch community that she is today, Sharon had her fair share of obstacles and tragedies to overcome.
One of the biggest was losing her father, mother, and oldest brother within four years, all from heart conditions."

               THAT VERY SPECIAL TOUCH
"We went to talk about the operation Crown Limousines and found Sharon Lingham, and talked about her because Sharon IS Crown Limousines
-owner of the company and preserver of the good taste that gives the company the reputation necessary for such an enterprise."
She is also a television presenter, a farmer, a goodwill ambassador, a business woman....And when somebody hires a limousine from Crown, it seems they find a friend and mentor for the duration of their stay, in Sharon."

 

Sharon sets the trends which others follow ! 

A mouth-piece for what's happening in the community. She has
 regular contact with ' forgotten or low esteem entertainers and
puts them back in the entertainment scene with her
 encouragement, support and marketing skills.

Being a true Canterbury person, she declined two
 offers from an Australian & New York television
stations to do similar work in those countries.

 She promotes well healed entertainers as well as budding ones-
she even had an eight year old doing break-dance on her TV spot.

From New Zealand's budding stars Hayley Westendra &
Backchat to legendary  Gene Pitney....... 

 Reading articles for appeals e.g. Backchat in newspapers
and helping them find the required funds to go overseas
 to compete internationally.

Backchat is now internationally renown - as  they were further
assisted by our friends, former Beach Boys their colleagues-
they are now international stars. Sharon was asked by the
 former Beach Boys to officially announce their
association with Backchat, to be first time in history as
"The Beach Boys & Surfer Girls " on television.

Perry Drysdale from Snowy Peak getting the first congratulations
from Sharon on television as being
The Business Woman Of The Year............

Proud member of Zonta Christchurch Canterbury, Altrusa International,
and the National Council of Women, Sharon does not hesitate to promote her worthwhile clubs.

Sharon believes in helping charities for the 'good' of the organisation
and not 'glorifying oneself'. She stronly detests this.

She credits her success to team work - her husband David, her son Rodney, all her dedicated staff, her colleagues , friends , members of the community & the Media.

Acting as the ambassador for international & local celebrities, Sharon meets & greets them and beautiful relationship is formed and it is only  instinctive for her to promote their shows there.

 Ensuring that these celebrities would return to New Zealand either
 to perform, holiday or even invest in properties here, she is happy
to show them around and is great at arranging R & R for them. 

Brian Wilson, Rachel Hunter, Vengaboys, Charley Pride,
Gene Pitney, Beach Boys, Sir Edmund Hillary, Petula Clark,
Dame Cleo Laine, and the Late Kevin Smith are just some of the names.

 She'd ask them to autograph various items which would be donated
for fund raising-she does not only lift the profile of the participating
stars but also able to raise funds for cash strapped organizations.

At a recent Cystic Fibrosis Cricket Gala, Crown Limousine t-shirt
signed by Charley Pride was bought by our very proud
sports icon Andrew Mehterns.

At another, Robert Lamm (founder of Chicago band), had sent her
autographed t-shirt signed by all members ,which she donated to
Zonta Club of Christchurch and fetched $550.

 Promoting the local events as well as helping raise funds
 as well as awareness of cash strapped community organizations.

Sharon pioneered the first local television breakfast show in May 2001.

Later, she was one of the contenders to purchase the local
television station, CTV. 

Sharon has Golden Global Award  winning website and has an
Oscar to prove it!

Sharon's dedication to our community speaks for itself as Sharon,
along with her husband, David spent 2004 Christmas Day
(her only day off) helping the unfortunate and poor  at
Christchurch City Mission.
 And no, she did not seek any payment!
Instead, she saved the day by donating items urgently needed
for this day.

She writes her column based on her own website in a very popular
 glossy magazine, VIP Canterbury- which the stars love to take home!
It is called Sharon's Canterbury Celebrity Update.

Sharon's official dress / costume designers  
Sisters 3 - located at 285 Cashel Street, Christchurch.
Phone (03) 365 2505.

"Sisters 3 was started by one of the sisters, Jude Wastney,
who at 50 years of age could not find a job so started
making dresses instead of being on being Domestic Purpose
Benefit (DPB). Shortly afterwards, two other sisters joined her.
Sisters 3 started from a garage, from one  sewing  machine to
today several and has a large show-room.
Community spirited, they also employ refugees and mentally
and physically challenged people.
I love their great sense of humour," says Sharon.

Official Costume jewellery maker 
Clara Jewellery

Weaknesses: Memphis Meltdown.  A sob story.

Can't Do Without: Challenge............... and
Cadbury King Size chocolate per day. 

Loves:  family & friends. uncomplicated life, positive people,
honest, caring, community caring people   

Hates: Show-offs, dishonest, lazy ,rude and negative people.
 (She's quick to let them know). Also those who rip  off charities. 

Inspired By: Terminally ill children & Positive people.

Favourite colour/s: Red & Gold

Favourite day: Thursday

Charities: Scores of charities (see Charities Page)
And no, Sharon does not get paid for any charity work!