Rugby-themed annual dinner proves a winner
Just champion! That was the annual dinner of the CISI’s West Country branch as it adopted an international rugby flavour
Pictured left to right: West Country Annual Dinner, Manchester & District Annual Dinner and East Anglia Annual Dinner
The event was supported by legendary former England prop forward Jason Leonard OBE, who achieved a record 114 England caps and toured with the British and Irish Lions. He arranged for two world class players - Lee Mears of England and the Lions and Thinus Delport of South Africa - to take part in a question and answer session with the 116 guests.
The evening raised nearly £8,400, to be topped up by Gift Aid, for The Atlas Foundation, the chosen charity of branch President Stephen Roach, Chartered FCSI.
The Foundation, which will support rugby-based charities around the world, is spearheaded by Jason Leonard, incoming President of the Rugby Football Union
He helped with the fundraising by donating for auction a framed 2003 Rugby World Cup winning shirt signed by members of the winning England team, in which he starred. The shirt was sold for £1,800. A piece of art signed by Chelsea and Spain footballer Cesc Fabregas also went under the hammer for £500.
Additionally a prize draw was held, with the top attraction a Fortnum & Mason hamper.
The evening at Rhodes the Dome, a Gary Rhodes restaurant on Plymouth Hoe, began with a champagne reception and was rounded off with musicial entertainment from a live band, a charity casino and sundowner drinks.
Successful annual dinners were also held recently by two other CISI branches.Comedian Patrick Monahan was guest speaker at the Manchester & District showpiece social occasion of the year.
The Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Susan Cooley, was among 102 guests who attended the event, which was held at a Chinese restaurant. A total of £855, plus Gift Aid, was raised in aid of a local hospice, St Ann’s, through a prize draw.
Nearly 50 guests attended the East Anglia branch dinner, being entertained by a string duo and magician Chris North.
Ruth Martin, who is stepping down as Managing Director of the CISI after ten years in the role, spoke at the dinner, staged at the Assembly House in Norwich. New CISI Director of Learning Lydia Romero also attended.
The Liverpool & North Wales branch has also enjoyed a social evening. Some 30 members met at the Bierkeller in Liverpool for a networking event which was sponsored by Investec and ETF Securities.
Branch President Dirk Strontschak, Chartered MCSI, said: “Liverpool has a thriving investment community and events like these are essentials to establish contacts between firms and exchange views on current markets. “
Manchester & District Photo Gallery
West Country Photo Gallery
East Anglia Photo Gallery