Annual Banquet – Plaisterers’ Hall
18th October 2021Catherine and I were delighted to welcome over 140 people to our annual banquet at Plaisterers’ Hall. After so long apart, it was great to see so many gathered together, in lively conversation, having fun, despite the torrential downpour that greeted guests on their arrival.
The toast to the Guests was proposed by Assistant Jacqueline Burrows, who did a great job. My principal guest was Stefan Bomhard, CEO of Imperial Brands. He has been in post for just over a year, and he spoke eloquently of his background, and of the challenges that his company, and the wider industry, face. He also paid tribute to the work that our Benevolent Fund does in supporting those in very real need, work that I was very happy to draw attention to. I was also pleased to present Major Dominic Masters, Company Commander, The London Irish Rifles, with a cheque to recognise the huge contribution that the men and women under his command make to this country.
The musical entertainment was provided by Laurence Williams, who provided a light and amusing book-end to a thoroughly enjoyable evening. It was a tired, but exhilarated, Master and Mistress, who made their way back to the Thameslink …