Midland Lunch

The ever-popular Midland Lunch was held at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon on the 1st April.

The day started off with the usual hugely informative and interesting lecture from Fellow Steve Young, who spoke for an hour to a packed audience. We are so grateful for Steve for giving his time, especially with his very busy business schedule. The AGM, hosted by our hard working President, Peter Lewis-Jones, where all the Committee were reelected, and Pete Brown provided an overview of the financial year before the accounts were adopted. Peter mentioned Tim Tozer, who has moved to the Netherlands and therefore had to resign from the committee, acknowledging his very worthwhile contribution.

Prior to lunch Fellows and guests gathered in the bar where the atmosphere was full of good humour and enjoyable conversations as people met up with ex colleagues and friends. After being called through for lunch Peter Cottle welcomed everyone and introduced our guests from Ben and the IMI. This was the 40th Midland lunch and he also thanked a number of Fellows for organising their own tables over the years, and asked the audience to join him in thanking Neil Morrick and his table guests as this was the 20th time that they had attended the Midland lunch. Peter then awarded an honorary fellowship membership to Jimbo, David Adams guide dog, who over the last 8 years had attended more events than most other members! Judith Adams, David’s lovely wife, then did a lap of honour with Jimbo wearing his fellowship tie and his badge on display! Peter Leake did the honours and presented David and Judith with Jimbo’s certificate.

The British Motor Museum put on a fabulous lunch, after David Stevens said grace and then Pete Brown proposed the loyal toast. Peter Lewis-Jones and Peter Cottle then took wine with various age groups of fellows. Peter then introduced Steve Waddingham, who has worked at Aston Martin for over 30 years in various roles, and currently their Historian. Steve provided a humorous and interesting speech, including some memorable anecdotes which were very well received. Nancy Rignall formerly thanked Steve on behalf of the fellowship.

Then followed the popular Heads and Tails competition run by Peter Lewis-Jones and his glamorous assistant, Litsa Ramsay. After a few rounds a very popular Fellow, Sean Jordan, ended up winning the magnum of champagne. We hope that the proceeds will go some way to helping Ben provide much needed support to industry colleagues.

Peter Cottle thanked everyone for their attendance and also thanked the BMM team for looking after us so well.Thanks also to Monica Lewis-Jones for manning the welcome desk, where she also sold a number of ties and badges.

During Peter Cottle’s welcome he commented on the need for new members and provided details of our “Black Wednesday’ offer with the joining fee reduced to £10 for today only! We were really delighted that 9 people signed up, several saying it was really on the back of a super day among like minded people and that the Fellowship was clearly for them.

After formal proceeding came to an end many fellows and guests stayed on to continue the fun and fellowship in the bar. So all in all a lovely day, very much down to the people in attendance who know how to enjoy themselves, welcome the company of friends, and making new acquaintances. And that’s what we are all about, QED!!!!