Fortunately Friday 9th March was the date chosen for PICT’s Annual lunch. Fortunate, as the week prior had been thick snow in most parts of the country. In fact, the new President made reference to this in his speech, saying: “I doubt we’d have seen so many of us here today, able to join us to celebrate this wonderful occasion.” And a wonderful occasion it was too.
Held at the Riverbank Park Plaza Hotel on London’s Albert Embankment, this the 9th Annual Lunch followed the earlier AGM and the requisite pre-luncheon drinks. When all the guests had assembled in the Plaza Suite, and the loyal toast had been given, the President drank to all the past-Presidents, the Committee, colleagues from Papico and PICT’s new Treasurer, Robert Lockwood.
The starter was then served, a tasty goat cheese and caramelised onion tart, which was followed by the esteemed game of Heads and Tails – always an entertaining interlude. As usual, your Editor was out in an early round, however, it got down to four contestants, ‘Gladys Knight and her pips’ quipped adjudicator Peter Bothwick. And then it was two - Tails was called out and a winner announced.
When all had re-taken their seats, Andy Thompson and Peter Bothwick continued by giving details of the fundraising auction that would be taking place during the afternoon. In fact, they took this opportunity to auction two items, namely a round of golf at Burr Hill and an overnight stay at the Park Plaza Hotel, which were snapped up by the guests.
Following the main course, a flavoursome chicken dish, some further items were auctioned - a case of wine and a week-long stay in a villa in Turkey. A delicious chocolate dessert was then served followed by coffee and liqueurs. A short comfort break was announced and then it was the turn of Peter Bothwick to stand up and give a preamble on the new P
of the Lancashire 25 Club; Paul Tooby, from the Birmingham Paper Trade Social Society; and the immediate past President, Joe Piggott. He also gave a special thanks to the charity’s Secretary, Anne James “who keeps us on the straight and narrow”.
He thanked his predecessor, Joe Piggott, for working tirelessly over the past 12 months to promote and support the Trust. Adding that Joe had not only been a great ambassador for the Trust but had supported the various sporting activities throughout the year. In presenting Joe with his past-President’s badge, Paul said: “You were amused that you were possibly the oldest first-time President of the Trust handing over to the youngest, well, I calculate that between us, you and I have lowered the average age of the PICT Presidents on taking office – not a bad thing!”
In his speech, Paul commented about some of the UK’s news and sport that had occurred over the past 12 months, including the British team’s most successful Winter Olympics ever. Adding that it had been such a wonderful event that the whole country had to be treated to a week of ice and snow as practice for the next games, thanks to the Beast from the East and Storm Emma!
He went on to talk about PICT’s sporting sections, saying that it would be good to revive the Cricket Section, so if any members were even marginally interested in cricket they should get in touch and get involved. He also mentioned the possibility of two new sections – Walking Football and resurrecting a Bowls Team – again contact Secretary Anne James for more information.
Paul then moved on to talk about the industry, commenting: “Sadly, we’ve seen the decline in fine paper volumes continue. There is, though, an increase in the volume of paper and board used for packaging. We’re seeing an unprecedented backlash among consumers around the environmental issues related to plastic packaging.” Adding: “So this is a huge opportunity to replace plastic with paper and board.”
Talking about the lunch itself, Paul explained that it was not just the networking, socialising and fun aspect, but crucially the lunch was to raise funds in support of the PICT charity. He continued: “Can we all say, hand on heart, that our colleagues in the office know why we are here today? And no, the answer isn’t just for the wine!” He asked the guests to tell their workmates that there is a worthwhile charity within the trade that needs everyone’s support, which provides valuable assistance to those in need, following their years of service in the paper sector.
He talked of ways that people can be involved including; the Annual lunch; the sporting sections; joining the 200 Club; and promoting colleagues to become members of PICT. He continued by talking of the charity’s work. “The mission of this charity is to offer funding to those who’ve left this industry and who’ve found times difficult. Without your support we could not do this.” He then thanked the Trustees, Peter Bothwick and Andy Thompson for all their hard work in reviewing and making donations to those in need, a role, which he explained was very demanding and sometimes upsetting. Finally, Paul thanked the Committee for their hard work, and in particular PICT’s Secretary Anne James, presenting her with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, in recognition of her continual guidance and support to the Trust.
When the applause had faded, Paul welcomed the after-lunch speaker, Robbie Glen, to the stage.
Robbie Glen a jovial, quiet Scotsman, has spent his working life in the prison service, and from this niche career, came the majority of his amusing and sometimes downright hilarious anecdotes. He had ‘done time’ at many institutions, one in particular HMP Barlinnie (a renowned Glasgow jail), known locally as The Big Hoose, or as he quipped “Glasgow’s finest B&B!” During his outpourings, he mentioned that the Scots use any excuse to party, and explained: “We are envious that Shakespeare was born and died on 23rd April, and on St Georges Day! – we Scots would be drunk for weeks!!”
After regaling many stories and anecdotes, Robbie concluded by quoting, and very fittingly, some ‘Rabbie’ Burns – of course!
Peter Bothwick once again took to the stage and thanked Robbie for his entertaining insight. He then proceeded to auction the final items, which included amongst others: Four-ball golf at Westerham; a trip on the Solent; and a private box for four people to see Barry Manilow at the 02. The winners of the table raffle were also announced.
And then that was it. An excellent afternoon of entertainment, fine food and camaraderie had come to a close. However, most of the guests did continue in the time-honoured fashion of the paper industry by ‘networking’ either in the bar or the local hostelry next door! We now all look forward to next year’s fundraising lunch.