Annual Dinner and Dance 2016
4th November 2016
The Priory Barn at Little Wymondley once again played host to the annual Stevenage Community Trust dinner and dance. Superbly organised by staff from The Follett Office and generously sponsored by Ken and Barbara Follett, Stevenage Packaging Ltd, The Wine Society, Wagstaffs Chartered Accountants, HRJ Foreman Laws Solicitors and Ian Campbell the event proved an overwhelming success achieving a fundraising record of a staggering £26,000. Reaching our target of raising £25,000 for our 25th anniversary last year, followed by £26,000 in our 26th year, it would seem appropriate to set a target of £27,000 next year in our 27th year and so on thereafter. The event attracted guests from a wide range of local businesses across Stevenage and the surrounding area, many existing supporters of the Trust and others who were keen to find out more about the Trust’s work. Expressing his Scottish roots by wearing a kilt and full traditional outfit, Ewan Murray, Head of Public Relations at The Wine Society, did a spectacular job compering the evening with his natural wit and excellent delivery which created a relaxed party atmosphere for guests to enjoy.
Trust Chairman, Robert Stewart welcomed guests and thanked them for their support. Referring to extracts from the Trust’s first annual report from 1990-91, Robert personally welcomed Andy Stroomer, Site Director of Airbus in Stevenage, formerly BAE Systems and recognised their support as Founder Patron members who also provided no less than 20 years cost free office space to Stevenage Community Trust. Robert also acknowledged the long-standing support of the Trust’s Vice-Chairman, Martin Addrison who has served as a trustee since the organisations’ inception in 1990. Also in attendance was Lord David Cobbold, the Trust’s first Chairman who helped to grown the Trust in those early days and remained in the role for many years.
Speaking about the impact funding from Stevenage Community Trust has had on their organisation and the people they support across the town and surrounding area, Lara Norris, CEO of Home-Start Hertfordshire and Bruce Carr, Chairman of REMAP North Herts provided guests with an insight into the importance of the work of the Trust and its uniqueness in providing help quickly, efficiently and for the benefit of the community it serves.
Following a delicious three-course meal, guests were interested to hear from special guest speaker Gail Emms MBE about how her mother was and still is her inspiration to achieve great things as well as sharing her achievements and disappointments throughout her long and successful badminton career. She also commented on the importance of volunteers, without whom she would not have achieved her potential to reach the top of the world rankings. Recognising all those who gave their time voluntarily to help her win Gold at the World Championships, Gail commented that she would have liked to break the medal into pieces and give a piece to each and every one of them. Following her inspiring and down to earth speech, Gail then happily mingled with guests, chatting about her career and her World Championship Gold and Olympic Silver medals which she had brought along to the event.
A highly successful raffle and auction with some fantastic prizes brought an end to the evening’s formal proceedings before guests were entertained by Ken Follett and his band, Clog Iron who were absolutely brilliant and saw guests fill the dance floor until the early hours.
Caroline Haskins, Manager of Stevenage Community Trust said ‘Thank you to everyone involved in raising an astounding £26,000 and making the event such a wonderful success. This year, the Trust has seen a significant increase in applications for funding which could not be granted without the generous donations and support from our loyal and dedicated business supporters.’
