Tobacco Trade Lunch
20th June 2023The Long Room at Lords Cricket Ground
It gave me great delight to present the Retailer of the year award to Shelley Cox of P Browell of Birmingham. P Browell is a Tobacconist shop that will celebrate its 100th birthday next year. It is a family-owned business, with five generations who have been involved, which has expanded its cigar inventory dramatically and noticed over COVID a resurgence in Pipe Smokers. No longer exclusively acquired by older gentleman wearing smoking jackets, 20-30 years olds are purchasing some very expensive pipes and loose leaf tobacco for a comfortable, relaxing evening. This shop has retained its charm and elegance and is viewed as much as a museum as a shop.
Unfortunately, Shelley was unable to accept the trophy and cheque personally. She only closes the shop on Wednesday and Sundays. However, Liveryman Michael Adler, who nominated P Browell, stepped in and graciously accepted the award on her behalf.
Following the presentation and trophy for Retailer of the Year, I recognised Past Master Roger Merton, who announced that this was the last Tobacco Trade Lunch he would be organising.
Everyone knows what a stalwart champion and organizer of this event Roger Merton has been since 2007 along with Mike Adams, his partner in crime who together make up half of the gang of 4. Roger has not missed any of the lunches since 1963.
The £120,000 that has been raised over the years for the Tobacco Trade Lunch is a testament to Roger’s drive and determination. The raffle at this lunch added an addition £2,030 to the Tobacco Welfare fund, which as Chairman of the Welfare Fund, Tony Scanlon explained helps people from within our industry at some of their darkest moments.
Those attending the event rose and toasted Roger, Tony and the Gang of Four for their incredible contributions to the Welfare Fund. I then presented Roger with a small token of our appreciation.
Once I sat down, the fun really started as Britain’s Got Talent 2010 participant, Kev Orkian honed in on his Armenian roots to perform an entertaining sketch complete with piano performances. Immediately afterwards, Kev transformed into a British interviewer who captured legendary television personality, Eamonn Holmes’ vast career. Eamonn Holmes OBE is a Northern Irish broadcaster and journalist. He is best known for having co-presented the breakfast television show GMTV (1993–2005) for ITV.
In a touching fast paced final question round, Kev asked Eamonn what he would like to hear from God when he arrived at the pearly gates. His reply: “Your Mother and Father are waiting for you.”
What a poignant way to conclude a delicious lunch in the idyllic Long Room. Special thanks to BAT, Hunters and Frankau, and JTI for their significant sponsorships.