89th Anniversary Dinner
By Admin • February 13, 2019
A wonderful evening was held at The Brewery in London by the Lendlease Guvnors Club celebrating their 89th Anniversary dinner. Guvnors, Life Guvnors, Clients, Consultants & guests attended from both our Northern and Southern Regional branches with over 450 in attendance. The evening was hosted by our Toastmaster, Pav who kept the evening on track. Our current National Chairman Neil Martin gave a wonderful speech, tinged with a bit of sadness as he announced his 7 year chairmanship has come to an end and he will be passing the mantle on, watch out for an announcement shortly on who will take the reins. https://youtu.be/FrZhIQsCpaI
Southern branch Chairman Steve Wright announced winners of the Guvnor of Year for both regions. The Northern Guvnor of the Year was awarded to Dean Hart. He has raised a considerable amount of money this year for Gap Kenya. Dean took part in the Manchester to Blackpool Bike Ride and raised over £2,000. This is a fantastic charity that supplies essential care, education for families and children living on the streets and slums of Mombasa. The money raised will go towards a number of key resources for the charity who has a vision of creating Rescue Centre Villages Your donations will contribute the charity in a number of key faculties. Unfortunately Dean was unable to attend the event and his GOY can was collected by Samuel Peck.
The Southern Guvnor of the Year was awarded to Louisa Downs. Louisa has stepped into the role Secretary for the Southern Branch, keeping the Branch organised and efficient. She also helps organise other various activities for the Guvnors Club and participates in most events as evident from the photos on the Club photo site. A lot of work goes into these events behind the scenes and she carries it off in style. She is extremely dedicated to the club and is always encouraging new members to join.
We also had one Life Guvnor Can to present, this title recognises members of the Club who have retired but made huge contributions to the Club within their time in the business. The Southern Branch nominated Ian Ronchetti for Life Guvnor status. He has attended the Anniversary dinner for the past 17 years, networking with clients, designers & supply chain alike. Ian constantly supports the Southern Branches Charity ball and encourages many others. Ian is an active member attending quiz nights, dart events and treasure hunts. Ian is a constant supporter of charity and has cycled in many London to Brighton events. Ian is a fantastic supporter of the Club. https://youtu.be/Y7TQ7MlWuZ0
Our response speaker for the evening was Guvnor Stewart Hartley, you can see his response here. An extremely moving speech which touched so many people. Congratulations Stewart a wonderful achievement especially speaking in front of so many people. https://youtu.be/6_kGprfTN2A
A massive thank you to everyone who donated to the raffle this year and congratulations to the winners. We were raising money for Macmillan Cancer Research and Wood Street Mission and we managed to raise just under £5,000. With the National Committee agreeing to match it we are able to donate a total of £10,000 to the charities! What a wonderful result.
Our entertainment for the evening was Alan Davies, some may recognise him from QI or other television programmes. He kept the jokes rolling and there were plenty of laughs around the room.
Once all the formalities were finished it was time for everyone to catch up with old friends and make new ones.
Thank you all for coming, we hope you enjoyed the night and look forward to seeing you at our 90th celebrations.
Please enjoy the photos at https://flic.kr/s/aHsmACmNCA
