National President’s Monopoly Ball – The Grange City Hotel, London

Saturday, 3^rd March 2007

Richard’s Presidential Ball was a resounding success as over three hundred people drank and danced into the early hours of the morning in one of London’s premier five star hotels. The Grange City Hotel, overlooking Tower Hill and Tower Bridge provided a magnificent backdrop for a spectacular evening.

The night started with pre-dinner drinks sponsored by Edrington Group, owners of The Famous Grouse brand. A Ginger Grouse – whisky and ginger beer served over a glass of ice and a wedge of lime was enjoyed by most. Called into dinner the dining area looked brilliant with each table being marked by a Monopoly Square and blue and gold balloons festooning the eye line. On each table a further gift of a miniature bottle of Famous Grouse was provided for each guest along with a souvenir menu booklet. Richard’s PLC had challenged the Hotel and the Chef to provide an eclectic menu in keeping with the theme of the night and this was achieved to everybody’s satisfaction.

 The ballroom prepared for the event

Richard and his partner Sarah were welcomed into the room with resounding applause and much affection and the meal commenced. ‘Chinatown’ Dim Sung was followed by ‘Brick Lane’ Chicken Murgh Passanda, ‘Soho’ Tart, ‘Fleet Street’ Cheese and ‘Mayfair’ Coffee and Petit Fours. As the main course was completed the first surprise of the night was sprung upon the audience as Ray Lewis – principle singer with the Drifters - entered the room and brought everybody to their feet. Despite the close proximity of tables and the lack of a dance floor guests ‘made do’ and the evening’s entertainment was off with a massive surge!

 

 
Ray Lewis – principle singer with the Drifters
 

With desserts, cheese and coffee completed a respectful silence descended for Richard’s speech. Managing to thank almost everybody in the room and many more besides, Richard gave an emotional and heartfelt delivery. Richard recognised some key ladies in the room and bouquets were delivered to them all; as was champagne for his Transport Convenor, Kevin Griffiths, and a special presentation of an RTB1 number plate to GMTV Production Director, and former Round Tabler David Campbell, for his assistance in securing Fiona Phillips to interview for the Killarney interruption. Fiona was also in attendance at the Ball and was respectfully recognised by Richard. He was followed by John Spence OBE – who thanked anybody that Richard had missed and then, in his inimitable style, entertained and engaged the whole room with his wit and repartee.


John Spence OBE

Once the speeches concluded a dance floor was created by moving some of the dining tables and ‘Entertainment Supremo’ Mat Osborne introduced Baby Go Boom to the stage. The dance floor was instantly filled with a throng of bodies that danced through the live set and on into the night to Mat’s own disco sounds. 2.00am arrived all too quickly and as the entertainment drew to a close, guests were encouraged to The Gallery Bar where hot Cornish pasties were being served along with – more drinks…

It is reliably reported that most people partied until around 4.00am and many jaded bodies were seen at breakfast the next morning. Without doubt Richard’s PLC had pulled off an outstanding event and many were happy to report it was the best they had attended.