Public Relations Practitioners' Spring Dinner
9th April 2019The Company of Public Relations Practitioners holds a Spring Dinner and it was my honour to be invited to this year's event. Held at Tallow Chandlers' Hall, it was well attended by the industry's great and good along with official guests from a variety of Livery Companies with whom they have established close bonds in the Company's short life. Our own connection stems from the Deputy Master (IPM, in our terms), Katherine Sykes, who worked at British American Tobacco for many years earlier in her career. We have continued the close relationship into the year of her successor, the current Master, Gavin Ellwood.
The Company was most hospitable and generously provided for its guests. The Principal Guest and Speaker was Dr. Simon Elliott, the award winning author, historian and archaeologist, who regaled us on Brexit...not the current farce but that of the ancient detachment of the UK from the Roman Empire in the 4th Century. The conclusion was that it was every bit as tortured as the experience today! As Mark Twain is purported to have said 'History doesn't repeat itself but it often rhymes'.
The Master also took the opportunity this evening to make an important announcement. The decision has been made to change the Company's name to the Company of Communicators which he believes to be more encompassing of the professional body that it serves. With approval now granted by the Court of Aldermen, this change will be implemented in the coming months. To be amongst the first to hear this news was a privilege indeed, turning an already wonderful evening into one that was truly memorable. This is an important step for the Company as it prepares itself to become a Company with Livery. The Tobacco Pipe Makers wishes them well!