Annual Dinner 2007
Balliol College was at its finest for our Annual Dinner and it was wonderful to see the Dining Hall full of Freemen, friends and family. The Lord Mayor and the Lady Mayoress were our guests along with Mr Howard Chirqwin , representing Balliol College.
After drinks in the Old Common Room ,we processed to the Fellows Dining Room where the Right Reverend Hugh Lee , City Rector led us in Grace. The scene was set with the panelled room giving off shadowy reflection from the candlelit tables , elegant guests and white linen napkins.
The four course Dinner was superb and the service so deft and efficient that the personnel almost became invisible - perhaps the greatest compliment one can afford to waiting staff ? The wine flowed and the crackers snapped . Suddenly all the room was filled with gold crowned party hats and the sausage balloons began to try to escape through the ceiling . The French Chef unveiled his Chocolate and Brandy torte . There was little washing up from that delight.
After Coffee had been quaffed and chocolate mints savoured on the tongue , the Chairman rose to read a letter addressed to The Freemen from Buckingham Palace which concluded with the words "Her Majesty values your continued support and , in return, sends her warm, good wishes to all those who will be present for a most enjoyable and successful evening". It was no surprise when the Toast to the Queen was enthusiastically reciprocated.
Our Chairman , Howard Crapper rose again to toast the City of Oxford and included some kind and deserved praise for our retiring Hon Secretary ,Chris Butterfield. Thirty years of faithful service to the Freemen and thankfully remaining on the Committee. We also welcome Stephen Ewins as our new Hon Secretary and wish him every success.
The inaugural Apprentice Awards came under the spotlight and the Chairman took the opportunity to publicly thank John Sanders for his considerable contribution to this worthwhile scheme which not only honoured the outstanding apprentice finalists but also raised the profile of the Freemen .
The Chairman went on to urge all Freemen to visit the Old City Wall as seen in New College Gardens . Here is the story of the Freemen for all to see he said. He also spoke of Freemen related exhibitions at the Town Hall this year and thanked the then Sheriff for the Port Meadow photographs . The ongoing exhibition of the Lord Mayors Sergeant uniform also drew praise.
The Lord Mayor responded in good humour and welcomed news of more women being admitted to the Freedom. Howard Chirqwin for the College, spoke of the history of the staff behind the scenes. Fascinating insight into the workings of these robust institutions. The staff had their own rowing races and regatta. In the summer break, they would all move to Devon for temporary hotel work.
Each place setting had an Oxford Quiz card, for diners to fill in during the evening. Most of the teasing questions related to prominent Oxford history but one question had everyone flummoxed : What was the original name of the Turf Tavern ? If you can answer this then you may like to set the questions for next year ?
The evening was enhanced by a super raffle promoted by Bryan , our entertainment Secretary . The Lord Mayor drew the first wining ticket and soon there were over a dozen happy winners. Bryan Keen would like it known that he was very grateful to everyone who purchased tickets and a special thank you to the sponsors of the prizes .For some unknown reason we over ran our usual running time for the Dinner - It must have been due to the overwhelming enjoyment !
Photo: Wow, one of the few that made contact!
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