Cricket commentary box legend Henry Blofeld OBE shared stories from his 47 years as a test match special commentator at the event, held on 16 November 2017 at Hilton Bournemouth Hotel
In his after-dinner speech, Henry shared anecdotes from his time as a commentator, saying that some of his most popular commentaries were not about cricket at all. He received a standing ovation from the audience at the end, and posed for selfies with eager dinner guests.
Over 100 guests contributed £940, excluding gift aid, in aid of Diverse Abilities, the only charity in Dorset that supports children and adults with profound physical and/or learning disabilities.
CISI South Coast branch president Simon Roche ACSI said: "It was a phenomenal meal. We enjoyed the company of our colleagues, met new people and were in the presence of a national treasure.
“I am looking forward to seeing everyone again at the CPD events in 2018, culminating in another end of year dinner.”
Some of the other top table guests were: Jonathan Shaw, chair, southern region, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants; Chris Morris ACSI, CISI deputy head of financial planning; Angela Piromalli, chair, Dorset branch, Institute of Directors South West; Russell Evans, president, Hampshire Law Society; John Preston, CISI global director of IT & operations; David Lapthorne, chair, Joint Professional Group; Nigel Smith, president, Bournemouth & District Law Society; James Wallis, vice president, Southern Branch, Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales; David Kane MCSI, CISI board of directors; and Mark Powell, CEO, Diverse Abilities Dorset.
The sponsors for this event were Fidelity International, First Trust Global Portfolios, Janus Henderson Investors, JPMorgan Asset Management, and M&G Investments, without whom it would not have been possible. If you would like to support future dinners, please contact nikki.macmillan@cisi.org.