Annual Dinner on the River Thames.
Annual Dinner on the River Thames.
On the 3rd of February everyone came together to celebrate the achievements of JCI London throughout 2011 under the leadership of local president Sarah Beckwith.
The masquerade themed evening began with a welcome drink and then the boat set of on its cruise down the river Thames, taking in such sights as the Houses of Parliament and Tower Bridge.
As guests sat down to enjoy their dinner MC Ian Johnson oversaw proceedings. We had words from our international guests who had travelled to London to be here for this event, demonstrating the strong links between JCI London and its twin chambers. Sarah introduced her awards to JCI London members, recognising their achievements in 2011. Nadene Jones, President of JCI Ignite, was presented with a gift of the chain of office. Nadene and other members have worked tirelessly to establish a new JCI chamber in London. As Sarah and JCI UK 2012 National President, Solveig Malvik, presented Nadene with the gift Sarah received a surprise award of her own. As she read the inscription on the back of Nadene's chain she read her own senatorship number! A lovely moment as Solveig presented Sarah with her JCI senatorship.
After dinner entertainment was provided by after dinner speaker Ola Aralepo who was very amusing. As 2012 JCI London President Simon Bucknall pointed out no one minded the February Freeze as they enjoyed the celebration. Of course, the dinner culminated in Simon being presented with his chain of office and being inaugarated as JCI London President 2012. Simon was particularly taken with the feeling of optimism evident on the night as JCI London heads into 2012.