Annual London Lunch 2023

A sell out London Lunch at the RAF Club was enjoyed by over 100 Fellows and their guests. Fellowship Chairman David Manchester welcomed everyone and provided a brief update on the Fellowship’s new web site which went live that morning, as well as the changes to the Fellowship image that is reflected in the new tie that was available for Fellows to purchase.

Following an excellent lunch Graham Morris OBE proposed the toast to the Fellowship in an extremely amusing and informative manner drawing on his extensive career within the industry covering his time as Manufacturing Director for Triumph Cars, Director of Operations, Leyland Trucks, President Rover Cars North America, Board Member Audi AG and CEO Rolls Royce and Bentley to name a few of his many senior roles within the industry. Graham was awarded the O.B.E. by the Queen in 2011 for services to the automotive industry and for his work in the charitable sector.

Reminiscing about his time in the industry he recalled that whilst working in Liverpool he had the challenging task of sacking his own father. He also had his chauffeur driven Bentley stolen in Liverpool whilst CEO of Rolls Royce and Bentley.

After lunch the President and Chairman took wine with Senior Fellows following which The President, Peter Lewis-Jones, ably assisted by Tina Steele conducted the traditional game of Heads & Tails from which the magnificent sum of £1,150 was raised for the industry charity BEN. After a closely run contest Paul Tustin emerged the winner, with John Simmonds a close second place.

The day was a wonderful opportunity for colleagues and friends from the past to catch up with each other in wonderful surroundings. The prize for the furthest travelled must go to Lewis Booth CBE who arrived that morning on the red-eye flight from the USA to attend the lunch before returning at the weekend.

The day was a tremendous success and thanks go to Nigel Barfoot and John Russell for their organisation not forgetting their wives Babs and Norma who provided the most wonderful Meet & Greet for Fellows and their guests.