The UK industry’s main best-bib-and-tucker night of the year these days - with the lamented absence of the old Bacta Ball at the conclusion of the London show - is that with the same name held up in the Midlands.
These days known as the Summer Ball, it is nevertheless a formidable occasion and much anticipated by the industry. Bacta was out in force for the event, held last Friday at the Coombe Abbey Hotel in Warwickshire in aid of the Bacta Charitable Trust.
John Bollom, who recently vacated the presidency, temporarily replaced the new president, Joseph Cullis, who would have been there but for a "special birthday" for his wife, Suzanne.
An impressive £23,000 was raised for the Trust on the evening, mainly from the sponsorships. The main ones came from Whitehouse Leisure, Sims Automatics, Ask Global, EAG, Merkur Casino, Blueprint, SX Leisure and Swan Events.
The organisation was in the capable hands of Trust chairman Steve Hawkins (pictured) and a small team who were delighted with the success of the evening. “I am very proud of how our industry rallies in support of charity,” said Hawkins.
The guests welcomed Sonia Meaden OBE, former president of Bacta and founder of the Charitable Trust over 30 years ago, who delivered an inspiring address to the assembly.
The 130 people there took part in a game of True or False, hosted by Bradley Royce of Boomerang, and the champion at the end of the entertainment was Vanessa Miller of FunstationUK.
Dancing to the 10n-piece band Sway (reported to be a favourite of Sir Richard Branson) went on into the early hours.
See pictures from the event here.
