The highlight of the PICT calendar – the Annual Luncheon – was held on Friday 6th March in the stunning Thames Suite at London’s Park Plaza Hotel, which overlooks the River Thames and the Houses of Parliament.
This, the 6th Annual PICT Charity lunch, followed a well attended AGM (report further on), along with a couple of pre-luncheon drinks. Not only is this lunch the industry’s largest social networking gathering of the year, but it is also PICT’s largest fundraising event, with around 260 members and guests coming along to this formal yet fun filled afternoon.
Proceedings began with the paper industry’s own presenter and comedian, Peter Bothwick, welcoming everyone to the lunch saying: “There will be short speeches, high quality auction items, and a high quality guest speaker.” He went onto say there would also be the usual fun ‘Heads and Tails’ after the starter, and a Raffle draw with cash prizes [a comment which drew a big ooooh from the audience!]. Joe Piggott was then called upon to say grace in his own unique style.
After a fine starter of Venison Terrine, Heads and Tails took place – it got very tense – down to six .. and then two ... John Tootle and Peter Brown – Peter Brown won and very kindly donated his bottle of champagne to the raffle.
Following the main course, the new President, Andy Thompson, took wine with the Committee, sport section secretaries and winners, and the new Vice President, who he named as Nick Gee.
A scrumptious pudding of champagne and strawberry torte rounded off the lunch, then Andy Thompson announced the prize draw – however there appeared to be some discrepancy with a signature and it was a Mr O’Neill that was finally declared the winner.
As the coffees and liqueurs were being consumed, Peter Bothwick took to the podium again to formally introduce the new PICT President – although not much introduction was needed as Andy Thompson had already held the post in 2012. A fact, indeed, not missed by Peter who said it was the first time since 1949 that a person had been bought back to hold the post again.
Peter Bothwick, himself a president in 2009, introduced Andy as the paper merchant’s paper merchant and was pleased that Andy had asked him to sing his praises again. He went onto update Andy’s CV stating that since his last term as president his CV had extended by three pages and he had worked for two more companies, adding that he had now turned his career path towards printers. Summing up, Peter said: “His energy and enthusiasm is second to none. Andy is a real asset to the paper and print industry, and above all he has a terrific sense of humour.” Everyone raised their glasses and drank to the President
Thanking Peter for his ‘kind’ introduction Andy Thompson came back to the podium where he welcomed everyone to the lunch and said that in his speech he would give an update on the Trust’s position and aims, stating: “I will keep the formal parts of the luncheon brief and to the point, whilst ensuring that everyone is made aware of the Charity’s purpose, challenges and intentions for the future.” But first came the thank you’s – he welcomed the top table guests and, in particular, thanked Anne James for all her hard work. He thanked Denmaur for its Gold and GF Smith for its Silver sponsorship of the luncheon. He also thanked PaperlinX for its monthly donations. He went on to thank the sports secretaries, and also thank Bev Steele for all his hard work as Editor of the PICT Newsletter and his hilarious stories. He then went onto thank the hotel and staff and everyone that works backstage.
He continued by announcing that Patrick Shorten had stood down last year and Barry Fowler this year as Trustee, and went on to award Barry Fowler life membership. He then awarded Alan Babcock with his past President’s badge.
Coming onto the main part of his speech he reiterated PICT’s mission - to help those who had fallen on hard times in the paper industry with either regular or one-off payments, as well as educational initiatives and donations to the Stationers’ Foundation. He explained: “We want to raise the profile of the charity work – so we are looking at social media platforms and would like help from the industry – Do staff want to join PICT and be involved? Do they know anyone who needs support?”
In conclusion, he summed up by sayingthat company operations were changing and that it was now a more challenging industry. Adding: “PICT is there to help those that need help and are in need.” At the end of his speech, Andy went onto introduce the guest speaker Peter Brackley, who hails from the world of sport broadcasting.
Addressing the audience, Peter jokingly commentated that he probably wasn’t top choice for presenter; and went on to say that he had brought along an item for the auction – whereby he held up a tiny Chelsea jumper – saying it had been used by Dennis Wise .... which gained a titter from those in the audience of a certain age that would remember this diminutive footballer, especially for his time with Chelsea in 1990-2001, where he also became Captain.
Peter continued by saying that everyone makes mistakes – and went on to cite some examples of the various reporting faux pas over the years. His impressions of the various commentators were excellent – mimicking such well known names as Ritchie Benno (cricket), Peter O’Sullivan (racing) and Geoff Boycott (cricket), After an interesting discourse interjected with amusing and sometimes very funny anecdotes, Peter summed up by saying: “If you enjoyed me I’m Peter Brackley, if not I’m Adrian Chiles!!”
The afternoon continued with the auction – which offered a selection of top items including boat trips on the Solent, golf days, vouchers for London theatre tickets and tours of the BBC – and raised good monies to the PICT funds. In fact, in total, the lunch raised £11,800.
Andy Thompson rounded off the official part of the afternoon, by once again thanking all the sponsors, and hoped that all the members and guests would continue to enjoy the rest of the day.
As ever the PICT luncheon was an enjoyable event, with a good time had by all..... and continued well into the evening, in that time honoured tradition of the industry, in the bar!! Roll on next year...
Report by Margaret Curle