102nd Annual Dinner - Report

The evening commenced with a drinks reception which was then followed by the main event. As opposed to previous years, this year saw many of the toasts given prior to the meal. First up was President of the Institute, Pete Willcocks, who proposed the Loyal Toast, before Toast Master Brian Harvey introduced Annali-Joy Thornicroft, CEO & Company Secretary of Pete's Presidential Charity for the Year, The Insurance Charities, who gave an overview example the sterling work they do for so many people in need within the industry.

Deputy President, Laura Bee, then proposed the toast to The Chartered Insurance Institute before John Moore MBE the current President of the Chartered Insurance Institute responded. John Moore MBE then proposed the final toast before the meal, that to The Insurance Institute of Leicester, with Pete Willcocks responding.

A sumptuous dinner of Slow Roast Tomato & Basil Pesto Soup with Cream, Roast Chicken Supreme, Red Onion & Thyme Stuffing, Roast Chicken Gravy, Vanilla Panna Cotta, Strawberry & Cracked Black Pepper Salsa, Cheese Platters and Coffee & Chocolates followed, before the draw from the collection for The Insurance Charities was made to pick two winners from all of those who kindly donated.

First to be drawn was Clare Kitchener who received a prize of ten times her donation, with Andy Miller being the second to be drawn and who received a prize of five times his donation. Both winners kindly donated their original donation back to the charity, meaning a grand sum of £974 was made on the night, a fantastic effort.

After a short break Pete proposed the final toast of the evening, that to The Guests. After dinner speaker BBC Sports Broadcaster Garry Richardson of Sportsweek and Five Live fame then responded with a wonderful speech that included various highlights of his career as well as some infamous bloopers, many insightful and humours anecdotes as well as some fast-paced quips that left many struggling to keep up before he finished!

A special mention to the sponsors of the dinner: Axa PPP Healthcare, BHIB Insurance Brokers, Aspects Insurance Recruitment Specialists, Larsen Howie, Fusion Insurance, Hawkins, RSA and Weightmans Solicitors, without whom an event such as this would not be possible.

The evening was rounded-off with informal entertainment via jazz trio Triptonic who played whilst many guests stayed to continue the night, network and enjoy themselves. Finally, Pete added his own touch to the evening by putting on mini kebabs and pizzas just before midnight for those that remained and to soak up the alcohol, which continued to flow until the early hours on what was a very enjoyable and successful evening.