The inaugural event generated one of the biggest charity collections per head of any CISI annual dinners, with a total of £1,875 collected for Hospice in the Weald
In an evening of firsts, Bob ‘the Cat’ Bevan MBE, comedian, author and TV personality, was guest speaker at the first ever annual dinner for the CISI’s South East branch. Bob, the first person to be honoured by the queen for after-dinner speaking, kept the 90 guests amused with tales of his experiences as President of Kent County Cricket Club.
The event at the Spa Hotel in Tunbridge Wells generated a collection of £1,875 for Hospice in the Weald, a charity that strives to ensure that patients with a terminal illness, their families and carers have access to compassionate, individualised, holistic and supportive care. A charity prize draw was held, with generously donated prizes including an overnight stay for two at the hotel, a cedar wood sculpture, rounds of golf and signed copies of Bob’s book.
The dinner was also an opportunity to congratulate CISI South East branch members for achieving Chartered Member, Chartered Fellow or Chartered Wealth Manager status between 7 October 2015 and 6 October 2016.
CISI Branch President Robert Forbes, Chartered FCSI, said: “The first annual dinner of the South East Branch of the CISI was a great success. The attendance from the members and the support of the CISI made it a hugely enjoyable evening, capped off by Bob ‘the Cat’ Bevan who provided an entertaining after dinner speech. Membership in our area has grown in the last year and we hope that this will be the start of many more dinners in the future.”
The other speakers were Chris Thomas, Ambassador, Hospice in the Weald; and Richard Bennett, CISI Regional Director, Global Business Development.
Top table guests included Katie Presland, Chartered FCSI, Investment Manager, Charles Stanley, who took over presidency of the branch the day after the dinner; and Hayley Brown ACSI, CISI International Manager.
Many thanks to BlackRock and Brooks Macdonald for sponsoring the event, without whom it would not have been possible. If you would like to support future dinners, please contact nikki.macmillan@cisi.org