Exciting plans for this year’s Harvest Service & Lunch were revealed by Guild chairman Adrian Bell at the first Management Council meeting of the year, with a move to one of the livery company halls in the City of London.
Wendy and Peter Ryder decided to step down from organising the lunch having staged every one of them over the past 30 years. Peter recalls that the first one cost members 17 shillings and sixpence to attend.
“Because of their excellent organisation and enthusiasm for this event, the Harvest Lunch has become the biggest and most popular date in the Guild calendar,” said Adrian. “The Guild owes Wendy and Peter a big ‘thank you’ for their remarkable 30-year record.”
While Charing Cross Hotel in London has provided a good venue for the Harvest Lunch over recent years it does restrict numbers and the format of the event to some extent.
“So this year, on Thursday, October 13, we move to the livery hall of the Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers,” Adrian revealed. “It’s a short walk in the opposite direction from St Brides Church in Fleet Street where the delightful Harvest Service will continue to be held.”
Final details are to be decided but the lunch will have a strong ‘British produce’ theme and be preceded as usual by a drinks reception.
Stationers’ Hall is a Grade I listed building, close to St Paul’s Cathedral and one of the few ancient Livery Halls remaining in the City of London. Its suite of three imposing rooms and adjoining secluded garden makes it one of the most sought-after venues in the City for corporate events and private functions.
The Harvest Lunch is a great celebration of the farming year and the work of Guild members, which is reflected in the presentation of the Yara Journalism Awards.
Members will be able to book individual places or tables to entertain employees, colleagues and industry contacts. The Guild Council invites a number of different leading industry figures each year.
The event always attracts a headline sponsor and supporting sponsors for different elements to help defray costs. Organisations interested in supporting the 2011 event with sponsorship or supplies should contact Adrian Bell without delay.
